New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1229

Introduced

1/9/24

Refer

1/9/24

Chaptered

1/9/24

Passed

1/9/24

Caption

Expands eligibility for deer fencing grants to farmers leasing farmland.

Impact

If passed, A1229 will influence state laws relating to agricultural grants and farmland management in New Jersey. Specifically, lessees will have the opportunity to receive financial assistance for deer fencing projects, which can significantly reduce the burden of wildlife damage to crops. The bill also stipulates that lessees must obtain written consent from the landowner to install deer fencing, thereby ensuring that landowners remain in the loop regarding modifications made on their property. This could ultimately promote better communication and partnership between landowners and lessees.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1229, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, seeks to expand eligibility for deer fencing grants to farmers who lease farmland. This legislation amends existing laws to allow lessees, in addition to landowners, to apply for grants from the Department of Agriculture for the installation of deer fencing. The intent behind this bill is to enhance agricultural practices by providing necessary resources to those who manage leased agricultural land, thereby supporting both landowners and lessees in implementing effective wildlife management strategies on their property.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding A1229 may revolve around the financial implications for the state and whether granting access to funds for lessees is equitable given the complexities of farmland management. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to disputes between landlords and tenants regarding the ownership and maintenance of the fencing. Furthermore, the repayment clause for grants ensures responsibility, requiring lessees to maintain agricultural production over an eight-year period, which could present challenges for those facing economic hardships or changes in agricultural viability.

Latest A1229 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A5486

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

NJ S3916

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

Similar Bills

NJ S3916

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

NJ A5486

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

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 S4350

NJ A4656

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

NJ A229

Authorizes farmland assessment for forested lands and woodlands devoted to the production of USDA designated specialty crops; exempts such lands from woodland management plan requirement.

NJ A3615

Authorizes farmland assessment for forested lands and woodlands devoted to the production of USDA designated specialty crops; exempts such lands from woodland management plan requirement.

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.