This bill proposes the transfer of the New Jersey Historic Trust from the Department of State to the Department of Community Affairs, aligning statutory law with its current operational affiliation. It amends several existing laws to reflect this change, including the creation of the Trust as a body corporate within the Department of Community Affairs, and updates the composition and qualifications of the board of trustees. The new requirements stipulate that trustees must have a minimum of five years of experience in relevant fields such as historic preservation, architecture, or cultural nonprofit management, while also maintaining the existing ex officio positions for the Commissioner of Community Affairs and the State Treasurer.

Additionally, the bill expands the Trust's authority to collect fees for educational initiatives, such as workshops and conferences, and allows the Trust to set application fees for loans from the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. It also clarifies the handling of excess fees collected, ensuring they remain within the Trust's accounts for future use rather than being deposited into the General Fund. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the operational efficiency and governance of the New Jersey Historic Trust while promoting historic preservation efforts in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1B-15.111, 13:1B-15.112, 13:1B-15.115