This bill aims to make the annual allocation of $500,000 from the Clean Communities Program Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection for public outreach regarding the single-use plastics reduction program a permanent measure. Previously, this allocation was only applicable for the first three years following the enactment of P.L.2020, c.117. The funds are intended to support education and implementation efforts related to the state's law banning single-use plastics, which includes initiatives such as a bag redistribution program that provides reusable bags to food banks and other distribution programs.

The bill amends Section 5 of P.L.2002, c.128 to remove the temporary nature of the funding and ensure that the $500,000 allocation is consistently available each year. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Clean Communities Program by providing ongoing resources for public education and outreach efforts aimed at reducing single-use plastics and promoting responsible waste handling behaviors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-217