WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 2388

Requires Division of Travel and Tourism develop and maintain Internet website on historic sites, districts, and roadside markers.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 10 co-sponsors

Creates a centralized NJ website with searchable, up-to-date info on historic sites, districts, and roadside markers to boost access, tours, and tourism.

Passed Assembly (Passed Both Houses) (77-1-0)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2388

Summary of Bill A 2388 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and Intent

A 2388 seeks to create and maintain a centralized, publicly accessible Internet website that provides comprehensive information about New Jersey’s historic sites, historic districts, and the state’s roadside marker program. The bill aims to improve public access to historical resources, facilitate tourism, and standardize information about historical sites across state agencies.

Key Provisions

1) Establishment and Scope of the Website

  • The Division of Travel and Tourism (within the Department of State) must develop and maintain an Internet website in consultation with:
    • New Jersey Historical Commission
    • Department of Transportation (DOT)
    • Division of Parks and Forestry (Department of Environmental Protection, DEP)
    • Historic Sites Council (DEP)
    • New Jersey Historic Trust (Department of Community Affairs)
    • Other state entities with historic-site programs
  • The website must cover the state’s historic sites, historic districts, and the historical and cultural roadside markers program (as established by P.L.2009, c.264).

2) Website Features

  • The information must be searchable and available as:
    • A list
    • An interactive map
  • Content requirements for each site or district include:
    1. Exact location and driving directions from all cardinal directions; public transit directions where applicable
    2. Information on guided tours, including frequency and hours
    3. Photographs of the site or district
    4. Contact information for the owner/operator (phone and website) and similar details for a historic district
    5. Links to county or municipal historical/cultural marker programs and their marker lists

3) Ongoing Updates

  • The Division Director must ensure the website is updated whenever:
    • A site or district is added to the roadside markers program
    • A governmental entity establishes a new site or district (e.g., new sites/districts added by DEP’s divisions, Historic Sites Council, NJ Historic Trust, DOT road-sign-issuing process, etc.)
  • The division may accept updates or information from:
    • Commissioner of Environmental Protection
    • NJ Historical Commission
    • NJ Historic Trust
    • Department of Transportation
    • Other state entities with historic-site programs
    • Local government entities
    • Owners/operators of historic/cultural sites
    • Any entity that identifies or compiles data on such sites

4) Public Submissions for Markers and Standards

  • The NJ Historical Commission, beyond existing provisions, shall accept public submissions for inclusion of historic districts and sites not owned/operated/maintained by government entities, via an electronic submission form on the division’s website.
  • Markers (roadside markers) must feature a standardized design bearing the State seal, indicating official approval and historical accuracy.
  • The Commission will consult with DOT to establish standards for:
    • Design
    • Placement
    • Location of roadside markers

5) Definitions

  • “Historic district”: One or more historic sites plus surrounding areas that significantly affect or are affected by the character of the site(s).
  • “Historic site”: Any real property, structure, natural object, or configuration of historical, archaeological, cultural, scenic, or architectural significance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Legislative History: Introduced in the Assembly; passed 2026-02-19; Senate action pending at the time of the provided history (referred, then reported as Received in Senate without Reference on 2026-05-04).

Potential Impact

  • Accessibility and Transparency: Residents and visitors will have a centralized, user-friendly resource for locating and learning about New Jersey’s historic sites and districts.
  • Tourism and Education: Improved access to tour information, hours, and routes may boost heritage tourism and public engagement with history.
  • Standardization: A uniform approach to marker design and information could enhance consistency and credibility of historical markers.
  • Public Participation: Expanded avenues for public input allow community members to nominate sites for recognition, potentially increasing site visibility.
  • ** interagency Coordination:** Requires collaboration among multiple state agencies to maintain current data and ensure accuracy.

This bill emphasizes accessible digital information to support education, preservation, and tourism around New Jersey’s historic resources.

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

Sign in to ask a question.