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Bill

S 2161

Increases amounts of certain payments in lieu of taxes paid for lands owned by State or nonprofit organization for recreation and conservation purposes.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Moriarty and 1 co-sponsor

Bill increases state compensation payments to municipalities for tax revenue lost from state and nonprofit-owned recreation and conservation lands.

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · S 2161

Legislative bill overview

S 2161 increases the dollar amounts of payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) that New Jersey provides to municipalities for state-owned and nonprofit-owned lands designated for recreation and conservation purposes. These payments compensate local governments for tax revenue lost when land is removed from the taxable property base for public benefit uses.

Why is this important

Municipalities depend on property tax revenue to fund schools, police, fire services, and infrastructure. When large tracts of land are converted to conservation or recreation use, local tax bases shrink. Higher PILOT payments help ensure communities aren't financially disadvantaged by hosting these public amenities, while also supporting land preservation goals that benefit the broader public.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to the state budget: Increasing PILOT payments requires more state funding, which could compete with other budget priorities or require tax increases elsewhere
  • Equity concerns: Some municipalities may receive disproportionately higher or lower increases depending on the amount of conservation land within their borders
  • Adequacy debate: Municipalities may argue the increased amounts still don't fully compensate for lost tax revenue, while taxpayers may view the increases as excessive subsidies to wealthy areas with significant conservation land

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

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