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A 5973

Requires Rutgers University study economic impact of military installations in NJ; appropriates $155,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Aura Dunn

Rutgers will study the economic impact of New Jersey military installations on state GDP to guide budgeting, planning, and policy, funded at $155,000.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5973

Summary: Assembly Bill A 5973 (Rutgers study on economic impact of New Jersey military installations)

Overview

  • Bill number: A 5973
  • Title: Requires Rutgers University study of the economic impact of military installations in New Jersey; appropriates $155,000
  • Purpose: To commission a data-driven analysis by Rutgers University (Bloustein School) of how military installations in New Jersey affect the state’s economy, measured primarily by gross domestic product (GDP), and to inform state budgeting, planning, and policy decisions.
  • Status and timeline: Introduced February 25, 2025; referred to Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The measure progressed through the 2025 legislative process and was signed into law as Chapter 517 on November 21, 2025.

Key Provisions

  1. Study obligation

    • The Rutgers Economic Advisory Service, within the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, shall study the economic impact of New Jersey’s military installations to determine their overall contribution to the State GDP.
    • Objectives include:
      • Providing data-driven insights on the economic impacts of proposed operating and capital budgets for all military installations in the state, including direct and indirect effects at the state and county levels.
      • Evaluating benefits and providing an objective review of potential construction and infrastructure projects, military and civilian employment, and state and local tax generation.
      • Supporting strategic decision-making to enable evidence-based resource allocation and long-term planning, while identifying potential weaknesses and threats.

  2. Definitions

    • “Military installation” includes bases, camps, posts, stations, yards, centers, homeport facilities for ships, or other DoD activities located within New Jersey, including leased facilities.
    • Excludes facilities used primarily for civil works, rivers/harbors projects, or flood control projects.

  3. Authority and staffing

    • Rutgers may call upon staff from state, county, or municipal agencies as needed and may employ staff, contract with consultants/experts, and incur related travel and miscellaneous expenses, within the available appropriation.

  4. Report submission

    • A final report must be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature within one year after the act’s effective date (the act takes effect immediately).

  5. Appropriation

    • The bill appropriates $155,000 from the General Fund to Rutgers University for the purposes of conducting the study.

  6. Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Fiscal and Administrative Details

  • Allocation: $155,000 to Rutgers for the study.
  • Source: General Fund.
  • Reporting obligation: Governor and Legislature, pursuant to standard reporting statutes (C.52:14-19.1).
  • Implementation: Rutgers may utilize state and local government staff and consultancies as needed, subject to fund availability.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Rutgers, The State University (Rutgers Economic Advisory Service, Bloustein School) as the conducting institution.
  • Government and communities: New Jersey state government, military installations within NJ, counties and municipalities hosting installations, and taxpayers who may benefit from informed budgeting and planning.

Legislative History and Context

  • Related/companion bills: S 4817 (Senate companion), S 4629 (Senate companion).
  • Sponsor: Assemblyman Billy Jones (primary).
  • Legislative path: Passed both chambers and signed into law (Chapter 517), with multiple procedural steps including committee referrals and readings.
  • Noted context: The Bloustein School previously conducted similar economic impact studies (2010, 2013); this bill aims to update data for policymakers.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a rigorous, data-driven assessment of the economic footprint of military installations in New Jersey.
  • Aims to inform state budgeting, capital planning, and policy decisions with respect to defense-related infrastructure, employment, and tax generation.
  • Could influence future investments, resource allocation, and long-term economic planning in regions hosting military installations.

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

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