New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1518

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

Impact

The implementation of A1518 is expected to enhance biodiversity by promoting the establishment and maintenance of habitats that support pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are critical to ecosystems and agriculture. By creating designated areas for pollinator habitats, this legislation seeks to address declining insect populations and their adverse effects on food production and ecological stability. Moreover, the bill could facilitate educational opportunities and community engagement in environmental stewardship.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1518 proposes to establish a leasing program for State-owned lands in New Jersey to be utilized as pollinator habitats. This initiative is directed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will identify suitable State-owned land and oversee the leasing process to various qualified entities such as individuals, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. The bill emphasizes the need for collaboration with the Department of Agriculture to ensure effective management and ecological benefit of these lands.

Contention

While the bill aims to support environmental goals, there may be concerns regarding land use and local governance authority. Opponents could argue that state control over the leasing of public lands may restrict local government efforts to implement specific land management strategies tailored to their communities. Additionally, there may be debates about the qualifications and selection criteria for leasing entities, which could affect the accessibility and practicality of the program for local entities and smaller organizations.

Companion Bills

NJ S259

Carry Over Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

NJ A3029

Carry Over Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

NJ S658

Same As Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

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PA SB160

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PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.