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 of the board of trustees. The new board will consist of 15 members, including the Commissioner of Community Affairs or a designated representative, and will require citizen trustees to have a minimum of five years of experience in relevant fields such as historic preservation, architecture, or cultural nonprofit management.

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 that all personnel, records, and property related to the Trust will be transferred to the Department of Community Affairs, ensuring continuity in operations. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

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