"Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

The Barnegat Bay Protection Act establishes a dedicated fund to preserve and remediate New Jersey's Barnegat Bay estuary watershed, directly affecting residents in Ocean and Monmouth counties (over 500,000 people) and users of bay-related activities. It creates funding through three mechanisms: dedicating 1% of sales tax from lawn fertilizer purchases, authorizing special "Protect Barnegat Bay" license plates ($50 initial fee + $10 annual renewal), and enabling voluntary donations at boat registration, vessel licensing, and beach tag purchases. Monies collected will be used exclusively by the state for bay protection efforts, including public education campaigns, with annual reports to the Legislature. The bill ensures donations cannot be required for licenses or permits, keeping participation voluntary.