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A 4908

Prohibits expenditure of Green Acres funds for purchase, use, installation, or replacement of artificial turf fields.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alixon Collazos-Gill and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits Green Acres funds from supporting artificial turf fields, directing investment toward natural grass playing fields funded and maintained with Green Acres resources.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4908

Overview

A 4908 (New Jersey, 2026) would prohibit the use of Green Acres funds for purchasing, using, installing, or replacing artificial turf fields. The bill frames artificial turf as environmentally and health-hazardous and promotes natural grass playing fields funded from Green Acres sources.

Purpose and intent

  • Declares that synthetic turf poses health and environmental risks due to chemicals (including carcinogens, neurotoxicants, endocrine disruptors), microplastics/nanoplastics, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”).
  • Cites concerns about turf-related heat, injuries (turf burns), and the potential broader ecological impacts.
  • Establishes a policy preference for natural grass playing fields funded by Green Acres resources, arguing that natural grass can be maintained with organic practices and avoids the hazards associated with synthetic turf.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on Green Acres funding: Section 2 expressly prohibits moneys deposited in the Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund (and any other Green Acres Fund) from being used to purchase, use, install, or replace artificial turf fields.
  • Immediate effectiveness: Section 3 states the act takes effect immediately after enactment.
  • Findings and declarations (Section 1):
    • Details alleged health and environmental risks of artificial turf, including chemical concerns, microplastics/nanoplastics in runoff, PFAS, heat-related hazards, and turf burns.
    • Argues natural grass, with organic maintenance practices, avoids these hazards and supports environmental stewardship.

Affected entities and scope

  • Green Acres funding programs: The bill directly affects decisions by state, county, municipal, or school district entities that rely on Green Acres funds for field-related projects.
  • Projects involving artificial turf: Any proposed purchase, installation, use, or replacement of artificial turf fields funded by Green Acres money would be barred.
  • Maintained equation with natural grass: Encourages or directs reliance on natural grass playing fields, supported by Green Acres funds, subject to existing natural-grass maintenance practices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced May 7, 2026; referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
  • No stated transition period; effect is immediate upon enactment (retroactive or prospective depending on passage timing).

Practical implications and potential impact

  • Funding changes: School districts, municipalities, or state agencies would need to identify alternative funding mechanisms for turf projects or continue with natural grass initiatives funded by Green Acres.
  • Environmental and public health policy: Signals a policy shift away from artificial turf in Green Acres portfolios, aligning with concerns about chemical exposure, microplastics, PFAS, and heat effects.
  • Implementation considerations: Projects currently funded or planned with Green Acres dollars for turf would require reassessment; decommissioning or repurposing such projects may be needed if the funds are already committed.

Summary

A 4908 would permanently bar Green Acres funds from supporting artificial turf field projects, citing health, environmental, and safety concerns associated with synthetic turf and advocating for natural grass with organic maintenance. Immediate effect upon enactment would redirect Green Acres investments toward natural grass fields and related maintenance.

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

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