"Invasive Species Management Act"; prohibits sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive species; establishes NJ invasive Species Council.*
This bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of 31 specific invasive plant species (including Japanese barberry, English ivy, and Japanese wisteria) in New Jersey, directly affecting nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and anyone importing or selling these plants. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise state agencies and develop rules for future prohibitions, with key timelines starting 13 months after enactment for propagation/import and 49 months for sales. Certain exempt cultivars (like specific Japanese barberry varieties) may still be sold but must include educational labels about invasive species. The law aims to protect New Jersey's ecosystems, natural resources, and public health by preventing the spread of harmful non-native plants.
Bill status
passed both
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
General Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024
Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2025
How they voted
39–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 40
Mar 24, 2025
D
Democratic25
96% Yea
R
Republican15
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
5
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Jan 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (39-0)
upper
Jan 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed Assembly (75-0-0)
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported out of Assembly Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Transferred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Committee
Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
lower
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (39-0)
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Amendment (Voice) (Ruiz)
upper
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
4 primary · 8 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Bob Smith
DDemocratic
P
Clinton Calabrese
DDemocratic
P
Linda Greenstein
DDemocratic
P
Reginald Atkins
DDemocratic
Co
Andrew Zwicker
DDemocratic
Co
Aura Dunn
RRepublican
Co
Heather Simmons
DDemocratic
Co
Michele Matsikoudis
RRepublican
Co
Mike Venezia
DDemocratic
Co
Patrick Diegnan
DDemocratic
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
Co
Shirley Turner
DDemocratic
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