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New JerseyA5265220th Legislature (2024-2025)HouseWALLET

Authorizes enforcement of landscape irrigation law by local enforcing agency and increases penalties.

Sponsored By: Robert J. Karabinchak (Democratic), John F. McKeon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Irrigation contractors face tougher enforcement and penalties

Beginning January 12, 2026, New Jersey local enforcing agencies can investigate suspected landscape irrigation violations when they have cause. After finding a violation, they can issue warnings, order corrections or restoration, impose penalties, bring civil actions, or suspend or revoke certificates or business permits. Administrative or court-ordered civil penalties rise to maximums of $5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second, and $15,000 for each later offense. Each day a violation continues counts as another offense; so does each day an administrative penalty remains unpaid in full. Anyone receiving an order, penalty assessment, or revocation notice has 20 days after receipt to request a hearing in writing.

Local governments keep irrigation penalty money

Beginning January 12, 2026, irrigation penalty money is divided based on who brings the enforcement action. The New Jersey Landscape Irrigation Contractors Examining Board receives 100% when it brings the action. When a local agency brings the action, the Board gets 30%. The municipality or pilot county where the violation occurred keeps 70%. These shares apply to both administrative and court-imposed civil penalties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Robert J. Karabinchak

    Democratic • House

  • John F. McKeon

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 96 • No: 13

Senate vote • 12/22/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 12/22/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 61 • No: 13

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.262.

    1/12/2026Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (35-0)

    12/22/2025Senate

  3. Substituted for S3710 (2R)

    12/22/2025Senate

  4. Received in Senate, SWR, 2nd Reading in Senate

    12/22/2025Senate

  5. Passed Assembly — (61-13-0)

    12/22/2025House

  6. REP/ACA, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    12/18/2025House

  7. REP/ACA, Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee

    5/8/2025House

  8. Introduced, 1st Reading in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee

    2/10/2025House

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    4/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    4/17/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations (12/18/25 2R)

    1/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 12/26/25; 2R

    12/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations Substitute (12/18/25 1R)

    12/19/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • 6/24/25; 1R

    6/24/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste (5/8/25 1R)

    5/9/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Substitute (5/8/25)

    5/9/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    2/11/2025

    HTMLPDF

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