New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4766

Introduced
10/11/22  

Caption

Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

Impact

The proposed changes will lead to significant shifts in how agricultural disputes are managed within the state. By permitting complaints to be filed with an adjacent CADB when quorum issues arise, the bill aims to enhance accessibility to justice for those affected by agricultural practices. Additionally, the bill introduces the concept of alternate voting members within CADBs, allowing these individuals to step in when regular voting members cannot participate, thereby reducing the potential for delays in resolving disputes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4766 seeks to amend the existing Right to Farm Act in New Jersey by allowing complaints regarding agricultural operations to be filed with county agriculture development boards (CADBs) in adjacent counties when the original board lacks a quorum due to conflicts of interest. This adjustment is intended to streamline the complaint process for individuals or municipalities aggrieved by the operations of commercial farms, ensuring that grievances can be heard in a timely manner even when local board members are disqualified from voting.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding A4766 involve concerns regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the proposed mechanisms for dispute resolution. Critics might argue that allowing complaints to be resolved in an adjacent county could result in challenges, particularly in terms of familiarity with local agricultural issues and practices. Furthermore, introducing alternate voting members raises questions about the qualifications and selection process for these members, which could impact the impartiality of decisions made by CADBs. Advocacy groups may also scrutinize the potential for conflicts of interest to persist if not adequately addressed.

Companion Bills

NJ S3246

Same As Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4076

Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

NJ S1726

Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

NJ S3619

Creates alternate voting members on county agriculture development boards.

NJ A4671

Creates alternate voting members on county agriculture development boards.

NJ A4031

Authorizes county agriculture development boards to acquire agricultural equipment for lease to new and beginning farmers.

NJ A4757

Authorizes counties and County Agriculture Development Boards to transfer farmland preservation installment purchases to State Agriculture Development Committee.

NJ A4029

Authorizes county agricultural development boards to contractually purchase supplies for sale to New Jersey farmers.

NJ A4752

Authorizes counties and certain boards to acquire unpreserved lands in agricultural development areas for use by agricultural support businesses, and to sell or lease county-owned lands in such areas to such businesses at reduced price.

NJ A4368

Authorizes County Agriculture Development Boards to establish program to receive and lease donated farmland to new farms, establishes gross income tax credit for farmers who donate land.

NJ SB890

Agricultural commodity boards; Agricultural Council, appointment and membership terms.

Similar Bills

CA AB845

Employment: complaints: agricultural employees.

ME LD588

An Act to Enact the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act

TX SB243

Relating to the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities; changing the amount of a civil penalty.

TX HB164

Relating to the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities; changing the amount of a civil penalty.

NJ S1726

Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

NJ A4076

Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.

MI HB4050

Agriculture: animals; generally accepted agricultural and management practices for rearing egg-laying hens in residential areas under certain conditions; provide for. Amends sec. 4 of 1981 PA 93 (MCL 286.474). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4049'25