SCR 17 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to prevent New Jersey governments from using eminent domain to take land actively used for farming or gardening (agricultural/horticultural use) for non-farming purposes. It would apply to the state, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities. The amendment includes one key exception: government could still take such land if the property is permanently restricted for farming use. Currently, governments can take private property for public purposes (like development) with fair compensation, but this would block that power for active farmland except under the perpetual restriction condition.
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 Community and Urban Affairs Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Owen Henry
Owen Henry
RRepublican
NJ
12