NJ S1218

Prohibits propagation and importation of 30 listed invasive plant species beginning 13 months after enactment, with sale, distribution, and export prohibited beginning 49 months after enactment.

Establishes a 19-member New Jersey Invasive Species Council within the Department of Environmental Protection, consisting of 6 state officials and 13 public members appointed by the Governor representing environmental organizations, agriculture, nursery industry, and academia.

Creates a conditional use waiver process allowing limited, specified use of prohibited invasive species under strict conditions, with the Department of Environmental Protection required to adopt implementing regulations within 12 months.

Exempts certain sterile cultivars of Japanese barberry and Chinese silver grass from prohibitions, though exemptions expire two years after enactment unless renewed by regulation.

Imposes civil administrative penalties of $1,000-$2,000 per violation and civil penalties up to $2,000 per day, with enforcement jointly handled by the Department of Agriculture (for commercial sales) and Department of Environmental Protection (for all other violations).