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 Commissioner of Community Affairs is tasked with preparing and offering this course within six months of the bill's enactment, ensuring it consists of no more than five hours of instruction that can be completed in one day. The course will be developed in collaboration with the New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office. Members must complete the course within 18 months of joining the commission, and existing members must do so within 18 months of the course's initial offering.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that a hearing or decision made by a commission will not be invalidated if a member has not completed the course. Certain exemptions are provided for individuals who are licensed professional planners or who have completed 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.