25. a. The regional master plan shall be taken into account as part of the determination of obligations pursuant to the method in section 7 of P.L.2024, c.2 (C.52:27D-304.3) regarding the allocation of the prospective fair share of the housing need under the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.) for any fair share period subsequent to the effective date of P.L.2024, c.2 (C.52:27D-304.1 et al.) if a municipality is in the Highlands Region.
b. Nothing in P.L.2004, c.120 (C.13:20-1 et al.) shall affect protections provided through a grant of substantive certification or a judgment of repose granted prior to August 10, 2004.