01/20/2026
At Long Last: Governor Murphy Signs New Jersey’s Invasive Species Bill
On his final day in office, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Invasive Species Management Act into law. After years of advocacy—and a frustrating veto just two years ago—New Jersey finally has legislation to address the invasive plants degrading our native ecosystems.
This bill passed both houses of the Legislature without a single opposing vote, with bipartisan support of 39-0 in the Senate and unanimous approval in the Assembly. The same thing happened in 2024, when an earlier version passed unanimously before Murphy vetoed it, citing concerns about DEP’s existing authority.
The law prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive plant species without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It also reestablishes a permanent New Jersey Invasive Species Council in statutory law. The Council was originally created by Governor Corzine in 2004 but disbanded under Governor Christie in 2010. With 19 members representing state agencies, environmental organizations, agriculture, the nursery industry, and academia, the Council will advise the state on invasive species identification and management.
The DEP will create an online clearinghouse with information on identifying invasive species, management best practices, and lists of native alternatives. Violations carry penalties up to $5,000 for repeat offenses.
It took until the governor’s last hours in office, but New Jersey finally has a law to fight back against invasive species.
Photo: Kim Anello Correro
