Concerns temporary use of funding for open space, recreation, floodplain protection, farmland and historic preservation for certain municipalities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 2 co-sponsors

The bill restricts how open space, floodplain, farmland, and historic preservation funds can be used by municipalities in fiscal distress to prioritize core preservation goals with

Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (49-21-0)

Summary of Bill S 4513 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Purpose and intent

The bill addresses how funding dedicated to open space, recreation, floodplain protection, farmland, and historic preservation can be used by municipalities experiencing fiscal distress.

It aims to clarify and potentially restrict or guide the use of such funds in financially stressed municipalities to ensure resources support core open space and preservation objectives while considering budgetary pressures.

Key provisions and changes (provisions as described by title and summary)

Scope of funds: The bill concerns funds allocated for:

Open space preservation and related recreation initiatives
Floodplain protection measures
Farmland preservation
Historic preservation

Eligible recipients: Municipalities that are in fiscal distress or meet specified fiscal distress criteria are impacted by the provisions.

Use of funding: The legislation sets parameters on how these funds may be used in distressed municipalities, with the intent to align spending with preservation and public benefit goals while acknowledging budget constraints.

Oversight and compliance: The bill likely introduces oversight or reporting requirements to ensure funds are used in accordance with the intended purposes and to monitor fiscal distress-related challenges.

Compatibility with existing programs: It interacts with current state programs and funding streams for open space, land preservation, floodplain protection, farmland preservation, and historic preservation, potentially altering permissible uses or prioritization within distressed municipalities.

Who would be affected

Municipalities identified as being in fiscal distress within New Jersey.

Local governments that rely on state or shared funding for open space, recreation, floodplain protection, farmland preservation, and historic preservation.

Stakeholders in land conservation, parks and recreation departments, planning and zoning offices, and local historic preservation commissions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (June 23, 2026) for consideration.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senator Raj Mukherji.

Legislative process: As a bill in the New Jersey Legislature, it would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in both chambers, followed by any required signatures or gubernatorial action to become law.

Practical implications and considerations

Financial impact: By guiding or restricting how funds can be used in fiscally distressed municipalities, the bill could affect budgeting decisions, capital projects, and the pace of conservation or preservation initiatives in affected towns.

Policy balance: The measure seeks to balance preservation objectives with fiscal realities, potentially prioritizing critical open space, flood mitigation, farmland protection, and historic preservation within tighter municipal budgets.

Guidance and accountability: If enacted, municipalities would likely face clearer criteria or reporting obligations to demonstrate compliance with the statute’s requirements.

Note: The available summary is based on the bill’s title and action history. For a complete understanding, the full text would provide detailed definitions, specific criteria for fiscal distress, exact permissible uses, exceptions, funding sources, and enforcement mechanisms.