This bill amends the Local Bond Law and the Local Budget Law in New Jersey to allow local government units to finance the purchase, planting, and removal of trees and shrubbery. Specifically, it establishes a period of usefulness of 15 years for these activities, enabling municipalities to issue 15-year bonds to cover the associated costs. The bill inserts new legal language stating that the purchase, planting, or removal of trees and shrubbery will be recognized as a legitimate expense under this framework.

Additionally, the bill allows local government units to adopt special emergency appropriations for the purchase, planting, and removal of trees and shrubbery in the aftermath of a natural disaster. This provision enables municipalities to issue special emergency notes to fund these expenses, thereby facilitating timely recovery efforts following such events. The amendments aim to enhance local governments' ability to manage and maintain urban forestry effectively while ensuring financial flexibility in emergency situations.