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S 346

Extends for five years expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres program and farmland preservation program for lands in Highlands Region.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Steinhardt

S 346 extends New Jersey's Green Acres and farmland preservation tax appraisal program in the Highlands Region for five years, maintaining lower property assessments for conserved lands.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · S 346

Legislative bill overview

S 346 extends the expiration date of New Jersey's special appraisal process for the Green Acres program and farmland preservation program in the Highlands Region by five years. The Green Acres program provides tax incentives for landowners who preserve their property for conservation, agricultural, or recreational purposes. This extension prevents the current appraisal framework from expiring and maintains continuity in how these preserved lands are assessed.

Why is this important

The special appraisal process keeps property tax assessments lower for preserved lands, making preservation financially viable for landowners. Without this extension, farms and conservation areas in the Highlands Region could face significantly higher tax bills, potentially forcing sales or development. The five-year extension provides stability for long-term conservation planning and budget predictability for participating municipalities.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax base impact: Lower assessments reduce municipal property tax revenue; communities may argue this places burden on other taxpayers
  • Program effectiveness debate: Questions about whether tax incentives actually prevent development or simply subsidize landowners who would preserve anyway
  • Regional focus: The Highlands-specific limitation may raise equity concerns about why this region receives this benefit versus other areas seeking farmland/conservation protection

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

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