1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, no later than September 24, 2016, the Department of Environmental Protection shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.) to allow, under conditions deemed appropriate by the department, the cultivation of commercial shellfish species for research, educational, or restoration purposes in coastal and inner harbor waters classified as contaminated.

b. Within one year after adoption of the rules and regulations required pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the department shall review and revise them to provide improved and expanded research and restoration opportunities throughout the State based on comments received by the department from a community engagement process. The community engagement process shall include at least one public hearing, a public comment period, and consultations with organizations pursuing shellfish-related activities.

L.2015, c.237, s.1.