Committee releases bills to centralize historic-site listings, create semiquincentennial plates and commemorate Timbuktu’s bicentennial

The Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee voted to release three measures related to heritage promotion and commemoration.

Assembly Bill 2388 would require the Division of Travel and Tourism to develop and maintain a searchable website of historic sites, districts and roadside markers integrated with visitnj.org to make information — hours, directions and municipal links — easier for the public to find. Chairman Mullen said, "You can't access what you don't know exists," framing the bill as a way to centralize disparate local historical listings. Support slips were filed by Chris Emmholtz of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and Adam Guzycki of Katz Government Affairs on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey; neither representative testified in person.

Assembly Bill 2391 would authorize a 250th anniversary Revolutionary War license plate program intended to both commemorate the semiquincentennial and raise funds to support historic sites across the state. Chairman Mullen thanked bipartisan sponsors Assemblymen Sawicki and Clifton for working together on the measure.

Assembly Joint Resolution 93 celebrates the 200th anniversary of the community of Timbuktu in Westhampton, which Chairman Mullen said was founded in September 1826 by formerly enslaved and free African Americans; he cited the community’s historic church and its role on the Underground Railroad and noted the Battle of Pine Swamp as a moment of communal resistance.

Each measure was moved, seconded and released from committee by roll call. The committee adjourned after the votes; Chairman Mullen reiterated plans to take the committee "on the road" to hear from stakeholders across legislative districts.

Votes recorded affirmative responses from the members present on each item.