This bill authorizes the State Treasurer, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Agriculture, to appoint an acting executive director for the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) when the executive director position has been vacant for one year or longer. The acting executive director will have the same authority as a permanent executive director and will serve for a minimum of one year, with an annual salary set by the State Treasurer not to exceed $150,000. The GSPT will maintain oversight authority over the acting executive director.

The need for this bill arises from the current vacancy of the GSPT executive director position, which has been unfilled since July 1, 2021. The GSPT plays a crucial role in managing state initiatives related to conservation and preservation, including open space, farmland, and historic sites, and is responsible for reporting progress to the Governor and the Legislature. This legislation aims to ensure that the GSPT can continue its important work without prolonged leadership gaps.