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S 3466

Establishes the disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pam Helming

Extends the Highlands special appraisal process to 2029 and creates annual per‑acre state aid from the Highlands Protection Fund for municipalities hosting watershed lands that rec

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 3466

Summary — S.3466 (P.L.2025, c.36)

Title: Establishes the disaster-related latent damage recovery grant program / Concerning preservation and protection of land in the Highlands Region

Note: Although initially referred to Finance, S.3466 was enacted as P.L.2025, c.36 (approved March 17, 2025).

Main purpose

  • Extend an existing "special appraisal process" for State-funded land acquisitions in New Jersey's Highlands Region through June 30, 2029 (previous expiration: June 30, 2024).
  • Provide a new annual State aid distribution from the Highlands Protection Fund to certain municipalities that host Highlands watershed lands but do not receive watershed moratorium offset aid.

Key provisions

  1. Extension of the special appraisal process (amends C.13:8C-26)

    • For Highlands lands acquired for recreation or conservation using constitutionally dedicated monies, Green Acres bond monies, or CBT monies under P.L.2016, c.12, the acquiring entity (DEP, local government, or qualifying nonprofit) must obtain two appraisals:
      • One appraisal based on land value at the proposed acquisition date.
      • One appraisal based on value as of January 1, 2004.
    • The higher of the two appraised values is used as the basis for negotiating acquisition price; the landowner must be provided both values.
    • A landowner may waive these appraisal requirements or accept a lower sale price.
    • The rule applies only to parcels whose owner at the time of proposed acquisition is the same person who owned the land on the enactment date of P.L.2004, c.120 (and has owned it continuously since then), or an immediate family member.
    • The subsection does not apply when lands are acquired with federal funds and does not alter Eminent Domain Act disclosure requirements.

  2. Municipal aid for municipalities hosting watershed lands

    • Requires annual distribution from the "Highlands Protection Fund" to each municipality in the Highlands Region that:
      • Hosts watershed lands (as determined by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council), and
      • Does not receive watershed moratorium offset aid under section 1 of P.L.1999, c.225 (C.58:29-8).
    • Aid is to be paid for those watershed lands at amounts equal to the per‑acre rate used for watershed moratorium offset aid.
    • Requires the State Treasurer to include the necessary moneys in the annual budget request.

Who is affected

  • Landowners in the Highlands Region whose property may be acquired for conservation or recreation (particularly owners since 2004).
  • DEP, local governments, and qualifying tax‑exempt nonprofits that use State or constitutionally dedicated funds for land purchases.
  • Municipalities in the Highlands Region that host watershed lands but previously received no moratorium offset aid.
  • Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council and State Treasurer (administration/determination and budget responsibilities).

Timing and procedural notes

  • Extension effective through June 30, 2029 for Highlands lands.
  • Enacted as P.L.2025, c.36 (approved March 17, 2025).
  • Committee amendments deleted an earlier provision that would have dedicated $7.5 million in CBT revenue annually to the Highlands Council.

Statutory context

  • Modifies Section 26 of P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-26) and interacts with P.L.2004, c.120 (Highlands law) and P.L.2016, c.12 (constitutionally dedicated CBT for open space).

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

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