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A 696

"Barnegat Bay Protection Act"; establishes Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, dedicates portion of sales tax on fertilizer, authorizes special license plates, and provides for donations.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Kanitra and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund, funded by fertilizer tax, license plates, vessel and beach badge donations, to preserve, restore, and educate about Barnegat Bay.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 696

Overview

  • Bill: A 696
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Barnegat Bay Protection Act
  • Purpose: Establish a dedicated Barnegat Bay Protection Fund to support preservation, remediation, and public education for the Barnegat Bay estuary watershed. Funded through a mix of fertilizer tax revenue, license plate fees, vessel/boat fees, and donations (including at beach badges and boat-related transactions).

Main purpose and intent

  • Create the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund as a special, non-lapsing fund in the Department of the Treasury.
  • Channel diverse revenue Streams to a targeted fund to protect and restore Barnegat Bay estuary watershed.
  • Support not only remediation and preservation efforts but also public education on Barnegat Bay protection.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Establishment of the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund (Sections 3)

    • A new special non-lapsing fund in the Treasury.
    • Eligible deposits include:
      • 1% of the sales tax collected on retail fertilizer (Section 4).
      • Special license plate fees for Protect Barnegat Bay plates (Section 5).
      • Donations collected with operator’s licenses for personal watercraft/power vessels (Section 6).
      • Donations collected with vessel registration (initial and renewals) (Section 7).
      • Donations collected with municipality beach badge/tag registrations (subsection c of Section 1) (Section 3a(5)).
      • Other donations as specified (Section 3a(6)).
    • Funds used exclusively for preservation and remediation of Barnegat Bay estuary watershed, potentially including public education campaigns.

  2. Funding and reporting (Section 4 and 3c, 3e)

    • Annual deposit: 1% of fertilizer sales tax collected under the Sales and Use Tax Act (P.L.1966, c.30).
    • Monies placed in interest-bearing accounts; interest and income credited back to the fund.
    • Annual reporting requirement: State Treasurer, with the DEP, must report to the Legislature on sources, uses, and projected balances.

  3. Protect Barnegat Bay license plates (Section 5)

    • NJMVC to establish a specialty license plate featuring Barnegat Bay imagery.
    • Initial plate fee: $50 (in addition to standard vehicle registration fees).
    • Annual plate renewal fee: $10, dedicated to the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund.
    • DEP and MVC to determine design; interagency agreement to govern implementation.
    • Notice and marketing requirements to promote plate availability.

  4. Donations at vessel/boat-related transactions (Sections 6 and 7)

    • At the time of applying for operator’s license for a personal watercraft/power vessel (C.12:7-73) or vessel certificate of number (C.12:7-34.47), applicants will be informed of donation options to the Barnegat Bay Protection Fund.
    • Donations to be forwarded to the State Treasurer; participation not mandatory for licensing or vessel numbering.
    • Municipal beach badge/tag purchases may offer donations to the fund; municipalities cannot deny purchase based on donation.

  5. Effective dates (Section 8)

    • Act takes effect immediately, with phased implementations:
      • Section 4 (fertilizer tax dedication) takes effect July 1 following enactment.
      • Section 5 (license plate program) takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment.
    • State agencies may take anticipatory actions to implement provisions.

Who and what is affected

  • State: Establishes a dedicated funding mechanism and oversight for Barnegat Bay protection.
  • Treasury and DEP: Shared responsibility for management, investment, and reporting of the fund; interagency collaboration.
  • New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC): Establishment of Protect Barnegat Bay license plates, administration of plate program, collection of related fees, and notification obligations.
  • Municipalities: Potentially collect beach badge/tags with option to solicit Barnegat Bay donations at point of sale; cannot deny badge/tag sales based on donation.
  • Private sector and residents: Fertilizer retailers affected by fertilizer sales tax allocation; vehicle owners and boaters may opt to donate during license, vessel registration, or beach badge purchases.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Funding begins with the fertilizer sales tax dedication (triggered by the annual tax collection and deposit into the fund).
  • License plate program requires design approval and fee structure, with an annual $10 plate fee dedicated to the fund.
  • Donor opportunities are integrated into existing licensing and registration processes (no denial of service for non-donation).
  • Annual reporting to the Legislature on fund receipts, expenditures, and balance.

Potential impact

  • Provides a targeted, diversified funding source for Barnegat Bay protection efforts.
  • Increases public awareness and engagement through a dedicated license plate and donation opportunities.
  • Creates transparency through annual reporting on fund activities and uses.
  • Encourages environmentally beneficial practices by channeling fertilizer tax revenues to restoration and education efforts.

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

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