1. a. The New Jersey Historical Commission shall formulate and implement a program for the observance of the historical aspects of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States and of the first Constitution of this State, including but not limited to: historical activities; the creation and publication of historical documents and studies; cooperation with agencies responsible for the preservation or restoration of historic sites, buildings, art, and artifacts; establishing Statewide wayfinding signage for Revolutionary Era sites and markers and establishment of a State American Revolution visitor center; the arrangement of appropriate public ceremonies; planning for commemorative events, supported by a comprehensive marketing and tourism campaign, from calendar year 2024 through calendar year 2033; and the dissemination of public information regarding New Jersey’s involvement in the American Revolution.

b. As part of the implementation of a program in accordance with subsection a. of this section, P.L.2018, c.103 (C. 52:9P-15), the commission may enter into a contract with a private entity, to be referred to as a public-private partnership agreement, to coordinate and plan the programs and observance of the State’s semiquincentennial celebration of the founding of the United States, and to ensure that the State is appropriately recognized for its role in the American Revolution. A private entity will be eligible to enter into the public-private partnership with the commission if:

(1) it is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization as defined in this section; and

(2) it is responsible for the maintenance and administration of a national heritage area dedicated to the history of the American Revolution as it relates to New Jersey.

Any partnership agreement between the commission and a private entity shall establish an advisory council to support and guide the work of the partnership. In addition to funds appropriated to the commission or the private entity related to the commemoration of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States, the advisory council shall undertake fundraising efforts and seek out sources of revenue for the partnership’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The advisory council shall also develop collaborative activities with the Division of Parks and Forestry and the Division of Travel and Tourism for the planning and promotion of semiquincentennial programs and activities.

c. Any partnership agreement entered into between the commission and a private entity pursuant to this section, P.L.2018, c.103 (C. 52:9P-15) shall expire no later than December 31, 2033.

d. As used in this act:

“Public-private partnership agreement” means an agreement entered into by the New Jersey Historical Commission and a private entity pursuant to subsection b. of this section, P.L.2018, c.103 (C. 52:9P-15).

“Tax-exempt nonprofit organization” means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).

L.2018, c.103, s.1.