This bill mandates that all regular and alternate members of historic preservation commissions in New Jersey complete a historic preservation planning course to maintain their membership. The course, which will be developed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs in collaboration with the New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office, will consist of no more than five hours of instruction and is designed to be completed in one day. Members must complete the course within 18 months of assuming their position, and existing members must also complete it within 18 months of the course's initial offering. However, the bill stipulates that a hearing or decision made by a commission will not be invalidated if a member fails to complete the course.

Additionally, the bill provides exemptions for certain individuals, including those who are licensed professional planners or who can demonstrate completion of a more extensive course deemed equivalent by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. This legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness of historic preservation commissions, which are crucial for maintaining the historical integrity of New Jersey's communities, ensuring that the state's rich history is preserved for future generations.