WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 4671

Creates alternate voting members on county agriculture development boards.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Aura Dunn and 2 co-sponsors

The bill adds two alternates to each county CADB—one farming-active and one public—who can vote when needed, ensuring continuity and broader representation.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4671

Overview

A-4671 (Session 222, New Jersey) proposes to create alternate voting members on county agriculture development boards (CADBs) and amends the Agriculture Retention and Development Act. The bill adds two alternates per CADB: one actively engaged in farming and one representing the general public. Alternates may vote in place of their corresponding voting member when that member is absent or disqualified, and may participate in discussions when not voting. The measure sets terms, appointment processes, and related governance provisions.

Purpose and intent

  • Expand CADB governance by ensuring voting continuity when a member is unavailable.
  • Introduce alternate representation for two backgrounds: farming interests and public interests.
  • Maintain public participation and dispute mediation mechanisms within the CADB framework.

Key provisions and changes

  • Structure of CADB (amended): Each county CADB will consist of:
    • 3 non-voting ex officio representatives (county planning board, local soil conservation district, and county agent of the NJ Cooperative Extension Service).
    • 7 voting members and 2 alternate members.
  • Alternate members:
    • One alternate actively engaged in farming (eligible to vote in place of a farming voting member).
    • One alternate representing the general public (eligible to vote in place of a public-representative voting member).
    • Alternates may participate in discussions when not voting.
    • Voting rights for alternates are restricted to substituting for their corresponding type of voting member.
  • Eligibility and appointment:
    • The CADB, with recommendations from the farming-actively-engaged voting members, will provide candidate lists for farming and public alternate appointments.
    • Initial terms for the first seven members: 3 individuals for 2-year terms, 2 for 3-year terms, and 2 for 4-year terms. All subsequent appointments are for 4-year terms.
    • Alternate members are appointed for 4-year terms.
    • Vacancies are filled by the same process as original appointments and serve the unexpired term.
  • Meeting and governance:
    • CADB must meet promptly after appointments and elect a chairman (term: 1 year; reelection allowed).
    • The chairman must appoint three farming-active voting members and one farming-active alternate to work with public-representative members for mediation under section 19 of P.L.1983, c.32.
    • The board may include other advisory members as determined by the governing body.
    • Members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses; compensation is not provided beyond approved reimbursements.
    • Open Public Meetings Act compliance required for meetings.
  • Pre-existing boards:
    • The bill preserves a mechanism allowing pre-1982 public bodies to apply for grants, with a five-year window to reorganize to ensure no more than a simple majority of farming-active members or to ensure equal representation.
  • Effective date:
    • The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after enactment.

Who is affected

  • County-level Agriculture Development Boards (CADBs) across New Jersey.
  • Government bodies appointing CADB members (county commissioners/freeholders, county executives, or county supervisors, as applicable).
  • Farming interests and the general public, which gain formal alternate representation on CADBs.
  • Public and farming stakeholders participating in CADB discussions and mediation processes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Appointments: Initial composition specifies staggered terms (2, 3, and 4 years) for the first seven members; thereafter, 4-year terms for voting members and 4-year terms for alternates.
  • Meetings: Required to comply with open meetings laws (Baer Open Public Meetings Act).
  • Mediation: The chairman assigns a mediation group (three farming-active voting members and one farming-active alternate) for dispute resolution under the act.
  • Implementation: Effective date is the first day of the third month after enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Ensures continuity of CADB operations when voting members are absent or disqualified.
  • Promotes broader citizen engagement by formalizing public representation among alternates.
  • May affect dynamics of board decisions by adding alternate voting capacity and explicit mediation structure.
  • Administrative burden related to additional appointment processes and alignment with Open Public Meetings Act requirements.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing CADB rules or provide a brief pros/cons analysis from a governance perspective.

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

Sign in to ask a question.