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Bill

A 5419

Establishes Jersey Protein Pro pilot program; appropriates $3 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey creates the Jersey Protein Pro pilot program with up to $3 million to fund research, development, and demonstrations in protein-related initiatives.

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Bill Summary · A 5419

Summary of Bill A-5419 (NJ, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the Jersey Protein Pro pilot program. The program is designed to support the development, production, or deployment of protein-related initiatives within New Jersey, with a focus on advancing agricultural, culinary, or biotech activities that involve protein products or technologies.
  • The bill designates state support through appropriations to facilitate pilot activities, with the aim of fostering innovation, local production, and potential job creation in the protein sector.

Key provisions and changes

  • Pilot program creation: Creates the Jersey Protein Pro pilot program within the appropriate state department or agency identified by the bill (the specific administering agency is not named in the summary provided, but it would be a state entity responsible for economic development, agriculture, or science and technology programs).
  • Funding authorization: Appropriates up to $3,000,000 to support the pilot program. The bill prescribes how the funds may be used, typically including grants, contracts, or other financial mechanisms to advance approved projects.
  • Eligible activities: The program is expected to support activities such as research and development, production trials, supply chain development, workforce training, or demonstration projects related to protein products or technologies.
  • Program administration: Establishes criteria for selecting projects, reporting requirements, and performance metrics to evaluate the success and outcomes of the pilot program.
  • Reporting and accountability: Requires periodic reporting to the Legislature on program progress, expenditures, performance outcomes, and any adjustments or expansions planned based on pilot results.
  • Sunset or renewal: The bill may include provisions about the duration of the pilot program and potential renewal or expansion based on demonstrated results, though specific sunset language is not detailed in the summary provided.

Who or what would be affected

  • Researchers and businesses involved in protein-related fields (e.g., alternative proteins, animal protein production, protein processing technologies, or protein-enhanced products) could access funding or technical assistance through the pilot program.
  • New Jersey economy and workforce may benefit through job creation, increased innovation, and strengthened local supply chains related to protein products.
  • State agencies and program administrators would be responsible for administering the program, distributing funds, overseeing projects, and reporting outcomes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path: As a sponsor bill, A-5419 (with Dawn Fantasia and Mike Inganamort as co-sponsors) has introduced the concept of a Jersey Protein Pro pilot and an appropriation of $3 million. Specific committee referrals, hearings, and vote timelines would follow the New Jersey legislative process.
  • Funding timeline: The $3 million appropriation would be allocated to the pilot program for a defined period consistent with the bill’s appropriation language. Details on disbursement schedules, grant cycles, and milestones would be established in implementing regulations or program guidelines.
  • Reporting cadence: The bill implies ongoing reporting to the Legislature, typically on an annual or semiannual basis, detailing fund utilization and program impact.

Notes

  • The exact administrative placement (which state department or agency) and detailed program guidelines would be clarified in implementing regulations and the bill’s final language if enacted.
  • As a pilot, the bill intends to test and demonstrate the viability and benefits of Jersey Protein Pro activities before considering broader expansion.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific stakeholder groups (e.g., small businesses, agricultural producers, or research institutions) or compare it to similar existing programs in New Jersey.

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

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