This bill mandates the establishment of a historic preservation planning course for regular, alternate, and prospective members of historic preservation commissions in New Jersey. The Commissioner of Community Affairs is tasked with preparing and offering this course within six months of the bill's enactment. The course will consist of no more than five hours of instruction, allowing members to complete it in one day. Members must agree to complete the course within 18 months of joining the commission to retain their membership. Additionally, current members must also complete the course within 18 months of its first offering. The bill specifies that a commission's decisions will not be invalidated if a member has not completed the course, and it outlines exemptions for licensed professional planners and those who have completed a more extensive course deemed equivalent.

The intent of the bill is to enhance the knowledge and effectiveness of historic preservation commissions, which play a crucial role in maintaining the historical integrity of New Jersey's communities. By ensuring that commission members are educated in preservation planning, the bill aims to protect the state's rich historical heritage, which spans over 300 years. The collaboration between the Department of Community Affairs, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office will help establish a robust curriculum for the course, ultimately contributing to the thoughtful preservation of New Jersey's built environment.