Establishes grant program in Department of State for preservation of certain Revolutionary War sites; appropriates funds.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey creates a state grant program under the Department of State to preserve Revolutionary War sites, with funding to support restoration, interpretation, and related improve

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Bill Summary: S 4376 (New Jersey, 222nd Session)

Purpose and intent

Establishes a grant program within the New Jersey Department of State aimed at preserving certain Revolutionary War sites.

The bill authorizes the appropriation of funds to support preservation efforts, signaling a statewide commitment to protecting historically significant locations connected to the American Revolution.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of a grant program: The Department of State would administer a new grant program dedicated to preservation of Revolutionary War sites. Details on eligibility, application processes, and grant criteria would be established by the department or subsequent implementing rules.

Funding appropriation: The bill provides for appropriations to fund the grant program. Specific dollar amounts, duration of funding, and eligible expenditure categories would be defined in the statute or by future allocations.

Scope of sites: The term “certain Revolutionary War sites” indicates a targeted list or criteria for sites eligible for preservation grants. The bill may define parameters (e.g., publicly accessible sites, privately owned but historically significant locations, or sites on state/national registers).

Administration and oversight: Likely provisions for program administration, reporting requirements, and compliance measures to ensure funds are used for preservation activities such as restoration, interpretation, accessibility improvements, and related educational programming.

Potential partnerships: While not explicit in the summary, programs of this kind often involve coordination with local governments, non-profit preservation organizations, historical societies, and educational institutions.

Who/what would be affected

State agencies: Department of State would run the grant program, manage funding, review applications, and monitor project outcomes.

Revolutionary War sites: Eligible preservation sites in the state may receive grants for restoration, interpretation, conservation, and related improvements.

Local governments and organizations: Cities, towns, historical societies, and nonprofit groups involved in site preservation could apply for grants and collaborate on eligible projects.

Public history and education: Enhanced interpretive materials, signage, accessibility, and programming at preserved sites.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in June 2026 and referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, indicating initial committee consideration likely followed by hearings and potential amendments.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Senators Jim Beach and Tony Bucco, which may influence support and advocacy within the legislature.

Implementation timeline: Specific timelines for grant rounds, application deadlines, and funding availability are not detailed in the provided summary and would depend on the enacted text or subsequent regulations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal impact, compare to similar programs in New Jersey, or extract any available fiscal notes or committee reports once they are released.