Bill > A4362

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Office of Citizen Involvement, Land Use, and Planning Advocate in the Department of State to provide information, guidance, and training to members of the public concerning land use law and planning, to: (1) increase public awareness of the impact that land use and zoning matters, including developments of regional impact, warehouses, and other similar projects, have on the lives of citizens of this State; (2) promote accountability, transparency, and advocacy in the State and local planning process; and (3) develop innovative ways to assist individuals and local government units with certain projects, including developments of regional impact and warehouses. The bill abolishes the Office of Planning Advocacy in the Department of State, and transfers the State programs and personnel, obligations, and duties pertaining to the Office of Planning Advocacy to the Office of Citizen Involvement, Land Use, and Planning Advocate (office). The bill requires the Secretary of State to appoint a Director of the office (director), who is required to: (1) create and maintain a database for, and provide information pertaining to, the planning, siting, construction, and maintenance of developments of regional impact, warehouses, and other similar projects, which would serve as a consolidated and centralized public information resource. The bill requires the director to advertise the information and resources provided by the office on the office's Internet website; (2) consult with the New Jersey Planning Officials related to the preparation and offering of the basic course in land use law and planning, keep records of the persons that have taken and have passed the required course; and provide for the removal of individuals from the local planning board and zoning board of adjustment who did not satisfy the requirements of the course, and for the notification of the governing body of the municipality of the names of the members on the local planning board or zoning board of adjustment that did not satisfy the requirements of the course; (3) maintain a list of the State personnel that review plans for the siting, construction, and maintenance of developments of regional impact, warehouses, and other similar projects; (4) create and maintain a list of information and questions that the public State and local officials are advised to ask developers to provide prior to the planning, siting, construction, and maintenance of developments of regional impact, warehouses, and other similar projects; (5) provide plain language guidance materials concerning the development process for members of the public; and (6) proactively assist communications and coordination between local officials and State offices concerning land use and zoning matters, developments of regional impact, warehouses, and other similar projects. The bill also requires the transfer of the funds available for the Office of Planning Advocacy to be transferred to the Office of Citizen Involvement, Land Use, and Planning Advocate, and requires the director, instead of the Commissioner of Community Affairs, to prepare and establish standards for the curriculum and administration of the basic course in land use law and planning. This bill is to take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following the date of enactment, except that the Secretary of State is to be permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 02/19/2026)

Official Document