The bill establishes the New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force within the Department of Agriculture, consisting of nine members, including five ex officio members such as the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, who will serve as co-chairpersons. The task force will also include four public members with expertise in invasive species, appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly. The task force is mandated to hold quarterly public meetings across different regions of New Jersey and must organize within 90 days of the bill's enactment. Members will serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses.
The primary responsibilities of the task force include studying effective methods for controlling invasive species, developing plans to prevent new species from entering the state, restoring ecosystems, and identifying regulatory obstacles to management efforts. Additionally, the task force will compile a comprehensive list of invasive species, classify them based on their threat levels, and update this list every three years. An annual report detailing the current state of invasive species, their impact, and policy recommendations will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.