This bill amends current New Jersey law to expand eligibility for free or reduced fee beach access to include individuals who have served in the New Jersey National Guard and were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Previously, only active members of the New Jersey National Guard who had completed Initial Active Duty Training, along with their spouses and dependent children over the age of 12, were eligible for such benefits. The bill now allows shore municipalities to extend these privileges to veterans of the New Jersey National Guard, thereby recognizing their service and providing them with additional recreational opportunities.

In addition to this new provision, the bill maintains existing eligibility criteria for free or reduced beach access, which includes individuals aged 65 and older, those with disabilities, active military personnel and their families, and veterans who have served in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. The bill also stipulates that municipalities must track the number of qualifying individuals and allows veterans to present various forms of identification to gain access to beach facilities. Furthermore, it ensures that disabled veterans are not charged fees for permits to operate motorized vehicles on the beach.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:61-22.20