NJ S3848

Counties and municipalities in New Jersey would be authorized to use existing open space trust funds for remediation of collapsed mine shafts and sinkholes on property they own, without requiring new voter approval.

Governing bodies must adopt an ordinance and hold at least one public hearing (with 45 days notice) before using trust funds for this new purpose, with written notice to state officials and newspaper publication required 30 days in advance.

Individual remediation projects exceeding $100,000 require a separate public hearing and ordinance authorizing that specific expenditure.

Counties and municipalities cannot increase the existing tax levy rate for open space funds without submitting a new proposition to voters for approval.

Sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco of District 25 (Morris and Passaic counties) and introduced March 10, 2026.