NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S3542

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3542

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Report Pass
3/9/23  
Refer
3/9/23  

Caption

Establishes spotted lanternfly control grant program in Dept. of Agriculture; appropriates $5 million.

Impact

If enacted, S3542 would significantly impact the state’s approach to managing invasive species, particularly in areas that have been heavily affected by the spotted lanternfly. Municipalities that qualify for grants will be those that have either faced damages or are at high risk of infestation. The appropriation of $5 million may enable these municipalities to conduct necessary inspections, employ extermination services, and engage in remediation activities, thus potentially minimizing the impact of this pest on local ecosystems and economies.

Summary

Senate Bill S3542 aims to establish a grant program dedicated to controlling the invasive spotted lanternfly and intends to allocate a total of $5 million from the state’s General Fund for this purpose. The bill mandates the Division of Plant Industry within the Department of Agriculture to oversee the creation of the program, including developing guidelines and application procedures for municipalities seeking grants. The primary goal of the program is to empower municipalities located in quarantine zones with critical funding to manage and mitigate the damages caused by the spotted lanternfly and to implement best practices for controlling its spread.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S3542 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among stakeholders concerned about agricultural health and environmental stability. Advocates of the bill recognize the necessity for a structured response to the invasion of the spotted lanternfly, viewing the grant funding as an essential step to protect both local agriculture and biodiversity. However, some possible points of contention may arise related to how grant criteria are established and which municipalities will receive funding, as this could lead to disparities in resource allocation.

Contention

One notable point of contention may center on the criteria established for municipalities to qualify for the grant funding. The bill stipulates prioritization for areas most adversely affected, which could create debate over what constitutes 'greatest need.' Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed best practices for controlling the spotted lanternfly will also be scrutinized, as stakeholders seek assurance that funds will be effectively utilized to combat this invasive species.

Latest S3542 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A5162

Same As Establishes spotted lanternfly control grant program in Dept. of Agriculture; appropriates $5 million.

Similar Bills

NJ S2042

Establishes spotted lanternfly control grant program in Dept. of Agriculture; appropriates $5 million.

NJ A5162

Establishes spotted lanternfly control grant program in Dept. of Agriculture; appropriates $5 million.

US SB1837

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

US HB3867

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

CT HB06233

An Act Establishing A State-wide Spotted Lanternfly Control Program.

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

PA SB480

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

PA HB1552

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.