A 1873 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: (1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and (2) environmental infrastructure projects that include or enable flood mitigation. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, and communities seeking DEP grants under the Green Acres program, which uses constitutionally dedicated funds. Key provisions mandate that DEP establish criteria prioritizing projects that protect floodplains, reduce flood risk, conserve natural resources, and support recreational access. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these factors are explicitly considered when ranking eligible projects for funding.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

General Assembly Passage

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill → Introduced · 3 edits · Jan 13, 2026

MINOR

This diff reflects the transition of Assembly Bill 1873 from technical review status to introduced status. The core legislative text is unchanged (only line-break reformatting). Two sponsors were removed (Assemblyman Calabrese and co-sponsors Park, Bhalla, and Moen), and a formal STATEMENT section was added at the end summarizing that the bill directs DEP to award additional priority points to projects that include or allow for onsite flood mitigation when ranking Blue Acres, clean water, and drinking water funding lists.

SCOPE

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese (District 5) was removed as a sponsor, along with co-sponsors Assemblywoman Park and Assemblymen Bhalla and Moen.

TECHNICAL

A formal STATEMENT section was added summarizing the bill's purpose: directing DEP to award additional priority points to projects that include or allow for onsite flood mitigation when establishing Blue Acres funding lists, clean water project priority lists, and drinking water project priority lists. It also defines 'Blue Acres project' as a state or qualifying nonprofit project to acquire lands damaged by or prone to storm-related flooding.

The bill status changed from 'As reported by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee with technical review' to 'Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel,' reflecting its procedural stage change.

Floor votes