ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5460

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 8, 2023

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5460.

      As amended, this bill allows municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of Christmas trees.  The bill would require a municipality holding an event to ensure that all ornaments, lights, and other extraneous items are removed from the trees prior to conducting the burning.  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) would be responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and standards for the open burning of Christmas trees by municipalities within the State.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to require a municipality holding an event to ensure that all ornaments, lights, and other extraneous items are removed from the trees prior to conducting the burning.