summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program in the Department of Transportation (DOT) to protect the citizens of New Jersey from the adverse effects of abandoned mines in the State, including mine subsidence and water quality degradation. The bill directs the DOT to develop a Statewide plan for the reclamation of abandoned mines (plan). The bill establishes minimum requirements for the contents of the plan, including a ranked order of the reclamation projects designed to reclaim, backfill, stabilize, or otherwise render safe all dangerous mine voids present in the State. After the DOT completes the plan, the bill directs the DOT to begin implementing the plan, by carrying out mine reclamation projects itself, contracting with private construction firms, or by granting monies to local governments or private property owners to carry out the projects. The bill requires the DOT to make reasonable efforts to notify any known or unknown property owners before entering the property and implementing the plan. Under the bill, the DOT is required to provide reasonable accommodations concerning the time, date, and manner of entry, at the request of the property owner. The bill provides that any entry by the DOT is to be construed as an exercise of the State's police power and is not to be construed as an act of condemnation or trespass. Finally, the bill establishes the "Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Fund" in the DOT to serve as the repository for federal funds, State funds, or other monies which are to be used for mine reclamation projects.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to address the dangers posed by abandoned mines, such as ground collapse (mine subsidence) and polluted water. The DOT will create a comprehensive statewide plan to identify and prioritize reclamation projects, which involve making dangerous mine voids safe through actions like filling or stabilizing them. Once the plan is complete, the DOT can carry out these projects directly, hire private companies, or provide grants to local governments or property owners. The DOT must notify property owners before entering their land and offer reasonable accommodations for access, and any entry is considered an exercise of state authority, not trespass or condemnation. The bill also creates a dedicated "Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Fund" to hold federal, state, and other monies for these reclamation efforts.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1553 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1553_I1.HTM |
Loading...