NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S3916

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3916

Introduced
6/1/23  
Refer
6/1/23  
Report Pass
6/8/23  
Engrossed
12/11/23  
Refer
12/11/23  
Report Pass
12/18/23  
Engrossed
12/21/23  
Enrolled
12/21/23  
Chaptered
1/8/24  

Caption

Expands eligibility for wildlife fencing programs to farmers leasing farmland; clarifies eligibility and provides for uniform funding levels for grant recipients.

Impact

The bill amends existing legislation related to farmland preservation and wildlife fencing, particularly, it supplements P.L.2016, c.12 and amends P.L.2021, c.451. With the new eligibility rules, it allows farmers who previously faced restrictions due to leasing arrangements to receive financial assistance for wildlife fencing. The grant program can cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per application, thereby promoting better wildlife management practices among a more diverse group of agricultural producers.

Summary

Senate Bill S3916 expands eligibility for wildlife fencing programs in New Jersey by allowing farmers who lease farmland to apply for grants. This revision clarifies eligibility criteria and establishes uniform funding levels for grant recipients, thus enhancing the program's accessibility for a broader range of farmers. The bill aims to support the agricultural sector by reducing potential conflicts with wildlife, particularly in preserving crops and reducing deer populations' impact on farming activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S3916 among legislators and stakeholders appears largely positive, reflecting support for initiatives that bolster agricultural productivity while addressing wildlife-related challenges. Many lawmakers view the enhancement of grant accessibility as a necessary step toward supporting farmers and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. However, some concerns may arise related to the cost and process of administering the expanded program, ensuring it delivers effective outcomes.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding how effectively the funding will be allocated and monitored to ensure that it yields the desired results in managing wildlife interactions and promoting agricultural stability. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the sustainability of funding sources to maintain the program in the long term, especially if demand for grants increases as a result of the expanded eligibility.

Companion Bills

NJ A5486

Same As Expands eligibility for wildlife fencing programs to farmers leasing farmland; clarifies eligibility and provides for uniform funding levels for grant recipients.

Previously Filed As

NJ A5486

Expands eligibility for wildlife fencing programs to farmers leasing farmland; clarifies eligibility and provides for uniform funding levels for grant recipients.

NJ A1229

Expands eligibility for deer fencing grants to farmers leasing farmland.

NJ S981

Increases cap on grants for farmland stewardship activities to $100,000 per application.

NJ S3927

Increases cap on grants for farmland stewardship activities to $100,000 per application.

NJ A5223

Increases cap on grants for farmland stewardship activities to $100,000 per application.

NJ S3575

Authorizes counties to establish mentoring programs for, and resell preserved farmland at reduced price to, and beginning farmers.

NJ S724

Authorizes counties to establish mentoring programs for, and resell preserved farmland at reduced price to, and beginning farmers.

NJ A5122

Authorizes counties to establish mentoring programs for, and resell preserved farmland at reduced price to, beginning farmers.

NJ A1224

Authorizes counties to establish mentoring programs for, and resell preserved farmland at reduced price to, beginning farmers.

NJ A5861

Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes.

Similar Bills

NJ A5486

Expands eligibility for wildlife fencing programs to farmers leasing farmland; clarifies eligibility and provides for uniform funding levels for grant recipients.

NJ A1229

Expands eligibility for deer fencing grants to farmers leasing farmland.

NJ S4350

Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

NJ A5627

Changes certain allocations and amounts of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for Fiscal Year 2026 and thereafter; authorizes Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire lands in urban areas for agricultural or horticultural purposes.

NJ A4656

Provides up to five years for land used for new or experimental crops to meet farmland assessment income requirements.

NJ A2772

Authorizes special occasion events at certain commercial farms on preserved farmland, under certain conditions; appropriates $85,000.

NJ S3446

Establishes Farmland Assessment Review Commission to annually review and recommend changes to farmland assessment program, as necessary to ensure fair, equitable, and uniform Statewide application and enforcement of program requirements and allocation of program benefits.

NJ S757

Authorizes special occasion events at certain commercial farms on preserved farmland, under certain conditions.