The bill amends Section 26 and Section 38 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-26 and C.13:8C-38) to enhance the allocation and use of funds from the Garden State Green Acres Preservation Trust Fund for recreation and conservation purposes. It mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) utilize these funds for land acquisition, development, and grants to local governments and qualifying nonprofit organizations, while emphasizing geographic diversity in fund allocation. New provisions require the permanent retirement of pinelands development credits associated with land acquired for conservation and farmland preservation, along with guidelines for appraisals and prioritization of land acquisitions, particularly in the Highlands Region. The bill also requires inspections for historic properties on newly acquired lands.

Additionally, the bill establishes the "Highlands Protection Fund," a non-lapsing fund dedicated to financial aids and grants for property tax stabilization and watershed management within the Highlands Region. It ensures that municipalities hosting watershed lands receive equitable financial support, particularly those that do not receive certain offset aids. The bill also mandates collaboration between the committee and the DEP to adopt regulations that protect surface and groundwater resources during farmland preservation improvements, and it requires consultation with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to prioritize the acquisition of development easements and fee simple titles in the Highlands Region. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:8C-47.1, 13:20-19
Advance Law: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:8C-47.1, 13:20-19
Pamphlet Law: 13:8C-26, 13:8C-38, 13:20-19