The proposed bill establishes the Farmland Assessment Review Commission within the Department of Agriculture, which will be responsible for the annual review and recommendation of changes to the state's farmland assessment program. The commission's primary objective is to ensure a fair, equitable, and uniform application of program requirements across all local jurisdictions. It will evaluate the current status of farmland assessments, including property distribution, and assess the feasibility of imposing conditions on benefits allocation. Additionally, the commission will explore the need for a dedicated funding source for local inspections to confirm ongoing eligibility for farmland assessment benefits.

Comprising nine members, including state officials and public representatives from diverse backgrounds, the commission will review the impact of existing laws on farmland assessments and evaluate the effects of inflation. It will also develop recommendations for improving the program's fairness, including potential means-tested eligibility requirements and updated standards for determining eligibility. The bill mandates the preparation of annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, which will be reviewed for necessary legislative action. Overall, the commission aims to enhance the effectiveness and integrity of the farmland assessment program in New Jersey, benefiting taxpayers and supporting the agricultural sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54:4-23.3