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CA

Bill

S 4567

Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 14 co-sponsors

New Jersey appropriates $108 million in conservation tax revenue to fund local open space acquisition, park development, and planning through the Department of Environmental Protection.

Approved P.L.2025, c.119.
#bustaxes #openspace
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Bill Summary · S 4567

Legislative bill overview

S 4567 appropriates approximately $108 million in dedicated Conservation and Recreation Tax (CBT) revenues and Green Acres funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning initiatives, along with administrative expenses. The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate and nearly unanimously by the Assembly before being signed into law in August 2025.

Why is this important

This funding directly affects communities' access to parks and recreational spaces while supporting land conservation efforts that can provide environmental and public health benefits. The allocation represents a significant commitment of constitutionally dedicated revenue—meaning these funds are specifically earmarked for environmental purposes—to local projects that residents interact with regularly.

Potential points of contention

  • Appropriation mechanism: The bill uses constitutionally dedicated revenues, limiting flexibility for other environmental priorities if funding needs change
  • Administrative expenses ambiguity: The bill includes funding for "certain administrative expenses" without detailed breakdown of what qualifies, potentially allowing bureaucratic spending rather than direct conservation
  • Local project selection criteria: No public bill text details how DEP will prioritize which communities receive funding or what standards determine project eligibility, raising equity concerns about funding distribution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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