S 1709 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Suspends "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" until certain conditions are met.

This bill suspends New Jersey's 2004 "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" until the state establishes a dedicated funding source for buying land in the Highlands preservation area from specific landowners. It directly affects owners who have continuously held property in the area since the 2004 law's enactment (or their immediate family members), requiring the state to fund acquisitions using two appraisal methods: one based on current land use and environmental rules, and another based on rules in effect on August 9, 2004. The higher of these two appraised values must be used for negotiations with landowners. Once funding is established and these appraisal rules are followed, the original 2004 law resumes full effect.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Parker Space
Parker Space
RRepublican
NJ
24