Bill
Bill > A4076
NJ A4076
NJ A4076Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends current law concerning membership of county agriculture development boards (CADBs) and the process for the filing of complaints under the "Right to Farm Act," P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-1 et al.). Specifically, this bill would provide a mechanism for how Right to Farm disputes may be resolved if a CADB does not have quorum due to members with conflicts of interest. Under current law, in the event of a dispute, an individual or municipality aggrieved by the operation of a commercial farm is required to file a formal complaint with the appropriate CADB, or the State Agriculture Development Committee in counties where no CADB exists, prior to filing action in court. Under this bill, if a CADB is unable to convene a quorum due to members having conflicts of interest related to the filed complaint, the complaint may be filed with the CADB located in the adjacent county located closest to the commercial farm that is the subject of the complaint. In addition, this bill amends the "Agriculture Retention and Development Act," P.L.1983, c.32 (C.4:1C-11 et seq.), by creating alternate members on CADBs who would are able to vote in the absence or disqualification of a voting member. This bill would require each CADB to have two alternate members. The alternate members would be required to be actively engaged in farming and either be a resident of the county or a member of the CADB in an adjacent county. These alternate members would each serve for a term of four years and may vote in place of an appointed voting member who is actively engaged in farming should a voting member be absent or disqualified. The alternate voting member may participate in discussions of the proceedings when not voting. The alternate members would be appointed in the same manner as the four members actively engaged in farming.
AI Summary
This bill allows individuals or municipalities aggrieved by the operation of a commercial farm to file a complaint with the County Agriculture Development Board (CADB) in an adjacent county if the CADB in their own county cannot form a quorum due to members having conflicts of interest related to the complaint. This addresses situations where a CADB, which is a local board responsible for handling such disputes before they go to court, is unable to meet and make decisions. Additionally, the bill amends the "Agriculture Retention and Development Act" by creating two alternate voting members for each CADB who are actively engaged in farming and are either residents of the county or members of an adjacent county's board. These alternate members can vote in place of regular voting members who are absent or disqualified, ensuring that CADBs can function even when some members have conflicts or cannot attend, and they can participate in discussions even when not voting.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A4076 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4076_I1.HTM |
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