summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill designates the blueberry muffin as the New Jersey State Muffin. New Jersey is the home of the commercial blueberry, which was first domesticated in Browns Mills in the early 20th century by Elizabeth White and Frederick Covile. White and Coville accomplished this by selectively breeding the native highbush blueberry over the course of many years. Blueberries now make up a significant proportion of New Jersey's agricultural economy and New Jersey is consistently among the top-five producers of blueberries in the nation, producing approximately 50 million pounds of blueberries worth an estimated $70 million annually. Blueberries taste good, are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, are sodium and cholesterol-free, are low in calories, and may provide medical and health benefits, including helping to prevent cancer and heart disease. Blueberry muffins are able to highlight both the healthfulness and the great taste of the blueberry, since they can be enjoyed as a high fiber breakfast food, or as a sweet dessert. It is therefore proper and fitting for the State of New Jersey to recognize the significance of the blueberry to the State and the delightful taste of the blueberry muffin by designating the blueberry muffin as the New Jersey State Muffin.
AI Summary
This bill officially designates the blueberry muffin as the New Jersey State Muffin, recognizing its significance to the state's agricultural economy and its popularity as a food item. The bill highlights that New Jersey is the birthplace of commercial blueberry cultivation, with the highbush blueberry first domesticated in Browns Mills in the early 1900s by Elizabeth White and Frederick Covile. Blueberries are a substantial part of New Jersey's agriculture, with the state consistently ranking among the top five producers nationally, yielding approximately 50 million pounds annually worth about $70 million. The bill also points out the health benefits of blueberries, such as being high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and notes that blueberry muffins effectively showcase both the taste and healthfulness of this fruit, making them a fitting symbol for the state.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 02/19/2026)
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/A4149 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4500/4149_I1.HTM |
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