New Jersey would create commission to plan wider native seed use

The Department of Agriculture would house an 11-member commission that prepares a statewide native seed plan. The plan would cover seeds and other plant parts used to grow species native to New Jersey, including their use in public land, road, forest, habitat, and water projects. The final report must identify at least three pilot opportunities on publicly owned or managed land and may recommend changes to laws or agency rules. Officials would have 90 days after the bill takes effect to appoint members. The commission would report within one year after organizing and expire 30 days after submitting its report.

The Department of Agriculture would have to evaluate recommended regulatory or administrative action with the environmental protection and transportation departments and issue a follow-up report. The report would go to the Governor and Legislature and cover actions already taken, proposed rules, and further possible state action. This duty would apply only if the commission's final report recommends regulatory or administrative action. Agriculture would have to submit the follow-up report within 180 days after receiving the commission's final report.