This bill amends the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act to establish increased penalties specifically for smoking cannabis or marijuana on public beaches. The current penalties for smoking violations are set at $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The proposed changes will raise these fines to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $1,500 for each subsequent offense. The penalties for smoking cigarettes on public beaches will remain unchanged.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any penalties recovered for violations at public parks or beaches will be split equally, with 50% going to the State Treasury and dedicated to smoking cessation programs administered by the State Department of Health, and the other 50% going to the municipality where the violation occurred. The sponsors of the bill believe that these increased penalties will enhance enforcement and deter the smoking of cannabis and marijuana on public beaches, addressing challenges faced by beach towns in light of recent changes in cannabis legislation in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:3D-62