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Bill

A 2586

Vacant Storefront Registry Program; establishes public database of vacant commercial space for small businesses.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 14 co-sponsors

New Jersey will publish a public, up-to-date database of vacant storefronts with space and infrastructure details to help small businesses find spaces faster.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2586

Summary of New Jersey Bill A 2586 (Session 222)

Core purpose

A 2586 establishes a publicly accessible database of vacant commercial storefront space in New Jersey. The aim is to streamline the process for small businesses to find suitable spaces for purchase or lease, reduce entry barriers, and accelerate the occupancy of vacant properties.

Key provisions

  • Creation and maintenance of a public database

    • The NJ Business Action Center (BAC), within the Department of State, must establish and maintain a public database of vacant commercial space available for purchase or lease by small businesses in New Jersey.
    • The database must include:
    • Square footage of each vacant space
    • Capital equipment included in the space
    • Building systems installed (e.g., fire alarms, fire suppression, security systems, HVAC)
    • The BAC must update the database monthly using information provided by property owners, realtors, and municipalities.
    • Access: The database must be available on the BAC’s Internet web page.
    • Outreach: The BAC must publicize the database as part of an awareness campaign targeted at business associations, state and local chambers of commerce, and municipalities.

  • Mandatory notifications from property owners

    • The Secretary of State must require every commercial property owner to notify the BAC, as needed, when:
    • A property becomes vacant and there is no current lease or purchase agreement
    • A property becomes occupied

Effective date and implementation

  • Effective date: The act takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment.
  • Anticipatory action: The Secretary of State may take early actions in advance to implement the act.

Who is affected

  • Primary indirect beneficiaries: Small businesses seeking storefront space, including startups and local entrepreneurs that face high space-availability barriers.
  • Other stakeholders: Commercial property owners, real estate professionals (realtors), municipalities, business associations, and chambers of commerce, which will contribute information and utilize the database.
  • State agencies: Department of State, through the Business Action Center, which will manage the database and notification requirements.

Potential impact

  • Accessibility of information: A centralized, up-to-date source of vacant storefronts with detailed space and infrastructure information could lower search costs and time to locate suitable spaces.
  • Market efficiency: Regular updates and mandatory owner notifications may improve vacancy turnover and facilitate quicker occupancy.
  • Support for small businesses: By reducing entry barriers related to site selection and permitting access to relevant building systems information, the bill could help more small ventures establish or expand in commercial districts.

Legislative context

  • Introduced January 13, 2026.
  • Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee.
  • Co-sponsors include a broad slate of Assembly members (list provided in the bill text).

Note: The summary focuses on the substantive provisions and their potential effects on small businesses and property owners.

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

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