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New JerseyS1029220th Legislature (2024-2025)Senate

"Invasive Species Management Act"; prohibits sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive species; establishes NJ invasive Species Council.*

Sponsored By: Atkins, Reginald W., Clinton Calabrese (Democratic), Linda R. Greenstein (Democratic), Bob Smith (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New limits on invasive plant sales

Beginning February 1, 2027, people and businesses cannot grow new prohibited invasive plants or bring them into New Jersey without a written conditional-use waiver. Beginning February 1, 2030, selling, distributing, exporting, or offering these plants or their seeds also requires a waiver. The bans cover listed non-hybrid varieties and related plant groups; the sales restrictions also retain exceptions under P.L.1963, c.29 and its rules. Specified Japanese barberry and Chinese silver grass varieties, plus varieties exempted by state rule, are exempt from these bans. Covered handling of exempt plants requires labels and Council educational materials. The variety exemptions expire January 20, 2028, unless state environmental rules continue them after consultation with the Council and agriculture department.

State council guides invasive plant rules

The law creates a 19-member council to advise New Jersey officials on invasive species, waivers, public education, and statewide planning. The Governor must appoint its 13 public members within 60 days after the law's January 20, 2026 effective date. The state environmental department must adopt implementing rules and species lists within 12 months, consulting agriculture officials and considering Council recommendations. It must review recommendations and update lists within 36 months, then at least every three years. The Council must revise the statewide plan within two years of its first meeting, with major revisions every 10 years. Members receive no pay but can receive travel and necessary expense reimbursements, limited to available Council funds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Atkins, Reginald W.

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Clinton Calabrese

    Democratic • House

  • Linda R. Greenstein

    Democratic • Senate

  • Bob Smith

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Aura K. Dunn

    Republican • House

  • Shama A. Haider

    Democratic • House

  • Matsikoudis, Michele

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Heather Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Shirley K. Turner

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michael Venezia

    Democratic • House

  • Andrew Zwicker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 153 • No: 0

House vote • 1/12/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 75 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/12/2026

CONCUR ASMB AMEND

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/24/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2025, c.290.

    1/20/2026Governor

  2. Passed Senate, PBH — (39-0)

    1/12/2026Senate

  3. Received in Senate, 2RSC

    1/12/2026Senate

  4. Passed Assembly — (75-0-0)

    1/12/2026House

  5. Substituted for A4137 (ACS)

    1/12/2026House

  6. REP/ACA, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    1/8/2026House

  7. TRANS Assembly Appropriations Committee

    1/8/2026House

  8. Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee

    3/24/2025House

  9. Passed Senate — (39-0)

    3/24/2025Senate

  10. SA, 2nd Reading in Senate — (Voice) (Ruiz)

    2/25/2025Senate

  11. REP/SCS, 2nd Reading in Senate

    1/13/2025Senate

  12. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

    1/9/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Version PL2025

    6/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2025

    6/5/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 1/15/26; 2R SCS

    1/15/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations (1/8/26 2R SCS)

    1/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Appropriations Substitute (1/8/26 1R SCS)

    1/9/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 3/26/25; 1R SCS

    3/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 2/25/25 1R SCS

    2/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate 2/25/25 SCS

    2/26/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Environment and Energy (1/14/25 SCS)

    1/15/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Environment and Energy Substitute (1/13/25 SCS)

    1/15/2025

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    12/29/2023

    HTMLPDF

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