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Bill

S 4364

Establishes program and investment fund in DEP to support implementation of Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; authorizes creation of special Wildlife Corridor license plates.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Smith

The bill creates a public-private Wildlife Corridor program and Investment Fund to finance wildlife corridors and crossings in NJ, funded by license plates, donations, and grants.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4364

Overview

Bill S 4364 (Session 222, New Jersey) would establish a public-private partnership program within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOT), to implement the DEP Wildlife Corridor Action Plan. It also creates a dedicated Wildlife Corridor Investment Fund to finance program activities and authorizes a new special Wildlife Corridor license plate to raise funds.

Main purpose and intent

  • To support the implementation of the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan, including corridors and crossing projects identified in the plan.
  • To leverage private, philanthropic, academic, and nonprofit resources, along with public funding, to advance wildlife connectivity and related transportation safety.
  • To create a dedicated funding stream (the Wildlife Corridor Investment Fund) financed by license plate revenues, voluntary donations, partnership funding, grants, and other sources.

Key provisions and changes

  • Public-Private Partnership Program (Section 2)

    • DEP and DOT shall establish a program within 12 months after the Action Plan is submitted to facilitate partnerships with private entities, to support planning, construction, monitoring, and maintenance of wildlife corridors and crossing projects.
    • A program liaison will be jointly appointed to identify funding opportunities, manage partnership agreements, and monitor fund expenditures.
    • A biennial-to-five-year reporting cycle requires DEP and DOT to report on progress, funding, effectiveness, and future funding or policy recommendations.

  • Wildlife Corridor Investment Fund (Section 6)

    • A new nonlapsing fund within DEP to receive money from partnership agreements, license plate revenues (net of admin costs), voluntary contributions, grants/donations, and legislative appropriations.
    • Funds may be invested, with earnings returned to the fund.
    • Authorized uses include program implementation costs, monitoring/data collection, research/evaluation, and public education campaigns related to wildlife corridors.
    • The DEP and DOT must develop criteria for equitable fund distribution, prioritizing high-risk collision areas and high-benefit projects.

  • Wildlife Corridor License Plates (Section 3)

    • NJMVC can issue Wildlife Corridor license plates for vehicles registered in the state, featuring a DEP-approved design and emblem.
    • Application fee: $50 (upon issuance), plus an annual renewal fee of $10. Net proceeds go to the Wildlife Corridor Investment Fund after covering program costs.
    • Initial costs (design/printing/printing of software) may be reimbursed from the license plate program funds, not from state funds, with an initial cost cap of $150,000.
    • A requirement that the DEP provide at least 500 completed applications before full implementation, and a designated donor contribution to offset upfront costs (up to $25,000 from the DEP-designated entity).
    • If average annual cost per plate exceeds $50 for two consecutive fiscal years, the program may be discontinued.

  • Donation System (Section 5)

    • Within 12 months after enactment, the MVC must offer a voluntary donation option for any DMV-related service, with proceeds directed to the Wildlife Corridor Investment Fund.
    • MVC is reimbursed for initial programming costs from these donations.

  • Effective date and contingency (Section 8)

    • Act takes effect immediately, but Sections 3 and 4 (license plates and related procedures) become operative only after specified preconditions are met; if unmet within 12 months after enactment, Sections 3 and 4 expire.

Who/what is affected

  • State agencies: DEP and DOT (implementation and oversight), NJMVC (license plate program and related administration).
  • Private and non-profit sector partners (businesses, academic institutions, philanthropic organizations) via the partnership program.
  • Vehicle owners in New Jersey (potential license plate option) and the general public through donations.
  • Wildlife and transportation safety outcomes through funded wildlife corridors and crossing projects.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Program establishment within 12 months after Action Plan submission.
  • License plate program contingent on donor funding, 500 initial applications, and cost-offset conditions; possible discontinuation if costs exceed thresholds.
  • Biennial-to-quinennial reporting cycle: initial report within 12 months after program implementation, then every five years.
  • Administrative regulations to be adopted under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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

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