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 commissioner will collaborate with the New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office to set the curriculum and administrative standards for the course. 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 includes provisions that protect the validity of decisions made by commissions, even if a member has not completed the required course. Certain exemptions are also outlined, allowing licensed professional planners or individuals who have completed a more extensive course to bypass the requirement. This legislation aims to enhance the effectiveness of historic preservation commissions, which are crucial for maintaining the historical integrity of New Jersey's communities.