ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5067

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 27, 2025

      The Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably, and with committee amendments, Assembly Bill No. 5067.

      This bill, as amended, would require each appointing authority of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Commission to appoint one alternate member to serve in the absence or disability of the regular members appointed thereby.  Each alternate member would be appointed to serve a term of five years and may participate in the commission’s proceedings, and in any discussions related thereto, but would be authorized to vote only in the absence or disability of a regular voting member who has been appointed by the same appointing authority.

      The bill would further specify that a commission vote may not be delayed for the purpose of enabling a regular voting member to vote, instead of an alternate member appointed pursuant to the bill.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill:

      (1)  to clarify that the bill requires the appointment of a single alternate member, by each municipal appointment authority, who will be authorized to serve on the commission in the absence or disability of a regular voting member appointed by the same authority; and

      (2)  to incorporate other technical and clarifying changes.