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A 3094

Establishes "pollinator-friendly" label for plants.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 9 co-sponsors

The bill creates a state-approved “pollinator-friendly” label for plants, requiring DEP and DOA standards that restrict pesticides and favor native, non-invasive plants.

Passed by the Assembly (75-3-1)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 3094

Summary of Bill A 3094 (NJ 222nd Session)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a defined “pollinator-friendly” label for plants sold in New Jersey.
  • Instructs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DOA), to develop standards for identifying native, non-invasive plants that are friendly to animal pollinators.
  • Creates a labeling framework intended to guide retailers and distributors to sell plants that are considered safe for pollinators.

Key provisions and changes

  • DEP rulemaking authority (expanded scope):

    • The bill reinforces DEP by directing it to formulate, amend, and enforce rules related to labeling and sale of plants in a manner consistent with broader pesticide and environmental considerations.

  • Pollinator-friendly standards and labeling:

    • DEP, with DOA input, must establish:
    • Standards for designating native, non-invasive plants as pollinator-friendly.
    • A formal “pollinator-friendly” label that retailers may use to indicate a plant is friendly to animal pollinators.
    • Standards must include, at minimum, prohibitions or restrictions on selling plants that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals deemed harmful or potentially harmful to animal pollinators.

  • Scope of the label and prohibitions:

    • No person may distribute or sell at retail a plant labeled as pollinator-friendly (or advertised as not harmful to animal pollinators) unless in compliance with the bill’s requirements.

  • Definitions:

    • “Animal pollinator” includes bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, beetles, ants, hummingbirds, bats, and other pollinating animals.

  • Regulatory timeline:

    • Effective date: The act takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment.
    • Anticipatory action: DEP may take preliminary administrative steps to implement the act prior to the effective date.

Affected parties

  • Retailers and distributors of plants:
    • Those who label or advertise plants as “pollinator-friendly” must ensure compliance with the new standards.
  • DEP (Department of Environmental Protection):
    • Responsible for establishing standards and overseeing implementation.
  • DOA (Department of Agriculture):
    • Consulted for input in developing pollinator-friendly standards and labeling.
  • Plant sellers and suppliers:
    • Must align practices with restrictions on sale of plants treated with harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Legislative action:
    • Bill introduced January 13, 2026; reported out of Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; currently on second reading as of June 15, 2026.
  • Implementation timeline:
    • The label standards and designation criteria must be established by DEP in consultation with DOA, with the act becoming effective seven months after enactment.
    • Preliminary administrative actions by DEP allowed before the effective date to facilitate implementation.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Environmental and pollinator benefits:
    • Aims to reduce pollinator exposure to harmful pesticides when selling plants.
    • Promotes use of native, non-invasive plants that support pollinator health.
  • Market effects:
    • Provides a standardized labeling scheme that can guide consumer purchases.
    • May affect labeling practices and require retailers to verify compliance with the standard.
  • Regulatory workload:
    • DEP and DOA will need to develop clear criteria, standards, and enforcement mechanisms, including definitions of “harmful” pesticides and acceptable labeling practices.

Overall, Bill A 3094 seeks to formalize a state-backed incentive for pollinator protection by creating a verifiable “pollinator-friendly” label tied to standards on plant provenance (native, non-invasive) and pesticide treatments, with phased implementation and active interagency collaboration.

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

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