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Bill

A 4149

Designates blueberry muffin as State Muffin.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

Designates the blueberry muffin as New Jersey’s State Muffin to reflect the state’s blueberry heritage and culinary culture.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4149

Bill overview

  • Bill: A 4149
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Title: Designates blueberry muffin as State Muffin
  • Status: Introduced February 19, 2026; referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor (unnamed in excerpt); Co-sponsor: Carol Murphy

What the bill would do

  • Designation: The blueberry muffin would be designated as the New Jersey State Muffin.
  • Effective date: The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Key provisions and content

  • Purpose statement: The bill designates the blueberry muffin as a symbol of New Jersey to reflect the state’s agricultural heritage, culinary traditions, and the prominence of blueberries in the state.
  • Rationale provided:
    • Highlights New Jersey’s long-standing association with blueberries, including the state’s designation of blueberries as the official State Fruit in 2003.
    • Describes the historical development of highbush blueberries in New Jersey—originating with Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville in Browns Mills (Whitesbog area) in the early 1900s and the first commercial crop in 1916.
    • Notes New Jersey’s status as a leading blueberry producer (approximately 50 million pounds annually, worth about $70 million).
    • Emphasizes Hammonton as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”
    • Outlines the nutritional value of blueberries (fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants; sodium- and cholesterol-free; low in calories) and the versatility of the blueberry muffin as a healthy breakfast option or dessert.

Who/what would be affected

  • Symbolic/recognition impact:
    • The designation would apply to state symbolism and branding related to the blueberry muffin.
  • Economic/cultural context:
    • Highlights New Jersey’s blueberry industry and regional identity (notably Hammonton) in state culture and tourism discussions.
  • No new regulatory or funding requirements are specified in the text of the bill.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced: February 19, 2026
    • Referred to: Assembly State and Local Government Committee
  • There are no fiscal notes, implementation steps, or funding provisions included in the bill text.
  • If enacted, the designation would take effect immediately.

Bottom-line interpretation

This bill is primarily symbolic, aiming to formalize the blueberry muffin as New Jersey’s State Muffin to reflect the state’s blueberry heritage and culinary culture. It underscores the economic importance of blueberries to New Jersey and ties the muffin to the broader narrative of the state’s agricultural history.

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

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