This bill establishes an Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address the adverse effects of abandoned mines, such as mine subsidence and water quality degradation. The DEP is tasked with developing a comprehensive State reclamation plan that includes mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most hazardous mineshafts, ranking reclamation projects, and outlining ownership statuses. The bill also grants DEP employees the right to enter properties for exploratory work necessary for reclamation, with prior notice to property owners, and ensures that landowners will not incur costs for these activities.

Additionally, the bill creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Fund, which will be dedicated to financing mine reclamation projects and supporting the administration of the program. The fund will receive federal grants, state appropriations, and other donations, and will be used to provide grants to municipalities or private landowners for reclamation efforts. The DEP is required to adopt rules and regulations to implement the act, which takes effect immediately upon passage.