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A 6036

Relates to the effect of military service on child care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pamela Hunter

DEP, with universities and private firms, develops an AI flood-prediction tool using satellite imagery, rainfall data, and climate models to map block-level risk for public use.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 6036

A 6036 — Summary

Note: The bill’s stated title (“Relates to the effect of military service on child care”) appears inconsistent with the introduced text, which focuses on developing an AI flood prediction and mapping tool. This summary reflects the introduced content and provisions of A 6036 as filed.

Overview

A 6036 would authorize the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with institutions of higher education and private sector technology firms, to develop and implement an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to predict and map flood risk across New Jersey. The tool would leverage satellite imagery, rainfall data (historical and projected), climate models, and other relevant data sources to identify high-risk flood zones at the block or neighborhood level, and would be publicly accessible for use by local governments, emergency management officials, and the general public. The bill envisions ongoing data updates, performance improvements, and a framework for procurement, grants, and regulatory implementation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Modernize flood risk prediction and mapping using AI and advanced data integration.
  • Provide a publicly accessible, continuously updated tool to enhance planning, mitigation, and emergency response.
  • Foster collaboration among DEP, higher education, and private sector partners, with transparent procurement and reporting.

Key Provisions

1. AI Tool Development and Data Inputs

  • DEP, in consultation with universities and private technology companies, shall develop and implement an AI-based flood prediction and mapping tool for the state.
  • The tool shall use:
    • Satellite imagery
    • Historical and projected rainfall data
    • Climate models
  • Data enhancements to the tool, to the extent practicable, include:
    • River height monitoring devices
    • Meteorological sensors and stormwater management sensor systems
    • National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mapping resources
    • FEMA floodplain maps and related datasets
  • The tool shall identify high-risk flood zones at block or neighborhood levels and be accessible to municipalities, county planning agencies, emergency management officials, and the public.
  • Ongoing data collection shall be established to continuously update the tool and adopt performance-improvement strategies.

2. Procurement, Grants, and Transparency

  • DEP shall enter into agreements with public and private entities (including higher education) via competitive bidding to support development and deployment.
  • Competitive solicitation requirements include:
    • Notice of proposals at least 20 days before submission due date
    • Clear evaluation criteria (technical merit, experience, innovation, cost-effectiveness)
    • Publicly available summary report ranking proposals at least 48 hours before contract award
    • Final contract award within 60 days of proposal submission, subject to extensions with vendor consent
  • A grant program may be established to fund eligible entities contributing technical expertise, data, or infrastructure; grants awarded through a competitive process with criteria aligned to accuracy, innovation, resilience, and scalability.
  • All agreements and awards shall be publicly disclosed, including recipient name, amount, duration, and purpose.

3. Administrative Rules

  • DEP shall adopt rules and regulations to implement the act under the Administrative Procedure Act.

4. Effective Date

  • The act takes effect immediately.

Data, Access, and Accountability

  • The tool is intended to be publicly accessible and continuously updated.
  • Data sources include federal resources (NWS, NOAA, FEMA) and state/local inputs.
  • Public disclosure requirements ensure transparency of contracts and grants.

Impact and Stakeholders

  • State agencies: DEP, emergency management, and planning bodies gain a modernized tool for flood risk assessment and mitigation.
  • Higher education and private sector partners: opportunities for collaboration, research, and contracting.
  • Local governments and the public: improved risk awareness, planning capabilities, and access to flood risk data.

Legislative Status and History

  • Status: Referred to Judiciary (as of the information provided).
  • Introduced: November 17, 2025.
  • Sponsor: Pamela J. Hunter (primary).
  • Related bills and companions exist in prior sessions (e.g., A 8395, A 6113, A 3221; S 5389).

This bill emphasizes data integration, transparency, and interagency cooperation to leverage AI for flood risk management in New Jersey.

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

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