Environment (Wildlife) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 26, 2026

S 4517: Exempts municipalities from stream cleaning permit fees.

This bill exempts municipalities in New Jersey from paying fees associated with stream cleaning permits. It directly affects local governments that wish to remove debris, sediments, or garbage from streams within their jurisdiction. The legislation requires these municipalities to submit a written notice and a certification from a licensed professional engineer detailing the project scope and confirming that work will not alter the natural stream bed or banks. Additionally, the bill sets specific conditions for sediment removal, such as limiting projects to streams that are not endangered species habitats and ensuring the stream corridor is located entirely within the municipality's boundaries. State agencies retain the authority to review applications and deny permits within 15 to 60 days if they identify circumstances that mandate stopping the work.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Waste Management Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4225: Prohibits use of lead ammunition in hunting.

This New Jersey bill prohibits the use of lead ammunition for hunting, directly affecting hunters and firearm manufacturers in the state. It defines 'nonlead ammunition' as bullets containing no lead, less than one percent lead, or those approved by the federal government, and requires the Fish and Game Council to phase in these restrictions over time. Violations of the new rules could result in fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $4,000 for subsequent offenses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5091: Establishes program and investment fund in DEP to support implementation of Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; authorizes creation of special Wildlife Corridor license plates.

This bill creates a public-private partnership program within the Department of Environmental Protection to help fund and manage wildlife corridors and crossing projects. It also allows vehicle owners to purchase special license plates that support these conservation efforts through additional registration fees. The collected fees will be placed in a dedicated investment fund to finance planning, construction, and maintenance of wildlife corridors. The bill requires regular reporting on the program's progress and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4364: Establishes program and investment fund in DEP to support implementation of Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; authorizes creation of special Wildlife Corridor license plates.

This bill creates a new program within the Department of Environmental Protection to help build wildlife corridors by partnering with private businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions. It also establishes a special license plate for vehicles that supports these conservation projects. Owners who choose these plates will pay an extra $50 application fee and $10 annual fee, which go into a dedicated investment fund to finance the construction and maintenance of wildlife crossings. The bill requires government officials to appoint a liaison to manage these partnerships and track how the money is used. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department report on the program's progress and effectiveness every five years.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5021: Prohibits use of lead ammunition in hunting.

This bill prohibits the use of lead ammunition for hunting in New Jersey, directly affecting hunters who currently use such bullets. It defines 'nonlead ammunition' as bullets containing no lead, up to one percent lead, or those approved by the federal government, while also updating legal definitions for terms like 'ammunition' and 'hunting.' The law requires the Fish and Game Council to gradually phase in these restrictions and establishes fines ranging from $100 to $4,000 for violations.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5065: Prohibits harassing or taking of certain wildlife at competitive event; establishes penalties.

This bill prohibits the harassment or capture of specific animals, such as bobcats, raccoons, and squirrels, during competitive events where participants are rewarded for taking wildlife. It also bans individuals from organizing or participating in such events if they involve harming these animals, with the only exception being licensed field trials. Violators face criminal charges and a five-year suspension of their hunting licenses and wildlife possession privileges. Additionally, the law mandates that any injured animals be treated by professionals and requires the state to take ownership of remains from illegal events. Law enforcement agencies and wildlife officials are authorized to enforce these new restrictions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4332: Concerns endangered plant species in NJ.

This bill updates New Jersey's laws regarding endangered plant species by clarifying definitions and expanding the state's ability to manage invasive plants. It directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create a list of endangered plants based on federal designations, rarity, or having five or fewer populations in the state, while explicitly excluding invasive species from this protection. The legislation also grants the department authority to control or remove invasive plants even if they grow near endangered species, provided such actions do not violate federal laws. These changes aim to balance the conservation of rare native flora with the prevention of environmental damage caused by aggressive non-native plants.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3718: Creates Highlands Conservation Trust to preserve land in Highlands Region, and authorizes Highlands conservation license plate to raise revenue therefor.

This bill (A 3718) creates the Highlands Conservation Trust to permanently preserve environmentally sensitive lands in New Jersey's Highlands Region. The Trust will acquire and manage land to protect natural resources like forests, watersheds, and wildlife habitats, preserve historic sites, and provide passive recreation opportunities. It will fund its work primarily through revenue from special "Highlands Conservation" license plates sold to vehicle owners. The Trust is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and state officials, with land acquisition focused on areas defined under existing Highlands protection laws.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 173: Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers a state income tax deduction equal to the capital gain realized from selling certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations. It directly affects landowners who sell property (either at full market value or for less than full value in a "bargain sale") to groups preserving land through programs like Green Acres, farmland preservation, or wildlife conservation. The deduction covers the profit from the sale portion, with specific rules for allocating costs in bargain sales where part is treated as a charitable donation. The policy aligns with federal tax treatment for conservation donations and applies to sales benefiting conservation programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Conservation Wildlife

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 208: Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.

This bill requires the creation of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland in specific circumstances. It authorizes the use of constitutionally dedicated CBT (Criminal Justice Bond Trust) revenues to fund activities under these plans. The plans would be developed and implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection or local entities managing such lands. This change allows wildlife conservation efforts on preserved open space and agricultural areas to be financed using CBT funds that were previously restricted to criminal justice programs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

All environment bills