This bill establishes a bee-friendly habitat pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, aimed at encouraging homeowners and businesses to convert their lawns into habitats that support and protect the bee population. The program will provide reimbursements of up to $250 for homeowners and $500 for businesses, with a total funding cap of $1 million allocated for this initiative. The Department of Agriculture is tasked with developing guidelines for application submissions, establishing qualification criteria, maintaining an informational website, and creating a list of approved plants that qualify for reimbursement.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature within six months after the pilot program's completion. This report will summarize the number of reimbursements awarded, the effectiveness of the program in promoting bee-friendly habitats, and any recommendations for future programs or funding needs. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.