NJ S880

Eliminates direct state appropriations to seven named arts, cultural, and historic organizations including Newark Museum ($5.7 million), Newark Symphony Hall ($6 million), Papermill Playhouse ($2 million), Lambert Castle ($3.6 million), and others totaling approximately $21.7 million.

Creates a new $21,725,000 "Arts, Cultural, and Historic Organizations Fund" as a competitive grant program administered by the Department of State to replace the eliminated direct appropriations.

Requires the Secretary of State to establish eligibility criteria for the competitive grant program and mandates that funds be allocated as equally as possible among northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey.

Reduces Department of Community Affairs Social Services grants-in-aid from $166,571,000 to $155,021,000 and increases Department of State Support of the Arts funding from $40,375,000 to $53,925,000.

Amends the fiscal year 2023 appropriations act (P.L.2022, c.49) and is pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 legislative session by Senator Michael L. Testa, Jr. (District 1).