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Bill > S802


NJ S802

NJ S802
Authorizes free admission to State parks and forests for certain veterans, military personnel, first responders, and police.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would expand upon current law to provide that the following persons also would be entitled to free admission to State parks and forests: (1) an active member of any branch or department of the Armed Forces of the United States, or reserves component thereof; (2) a veteran; (3) a first responder who is a resident of New Jersey; and (4) any immediate family member of a person who qualifies for free admission to a State park or forest. Under the bill, a "first responder" is defined as a State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer, paid or volunteer firefighter, paid or volunteer member of a duly incorporated first aid, emergency, ambulance, or rescue squad association, or any other individual who, in the course of employment, is dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident or other emergency situation for the purpose of providing medical care or other assistance. In addition, an "immediate family member" is defined as a spouse, child, step child, father, mother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandmother, grandfather, or grandchild living in the same household with the person qualifying for free admission, pursuant to paragraph (2), (3), (4), or (5) of subsection a. of the bill. Current law already provides free admission to State residents who are active members of the New Jersey National Guard, totally disabled, or 62 or more years of age. This bill would expand that eligibility to the categories of persons described above.

AI Summary

This bill expands free admission to New Jersey State parks and forests to include active members of any branch or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and first responders who are residents of New Jersey, in addition to existing provisions for seniors, the totally disabled, and members of the New Jersey National Guard. A "first responder" is broadly defined to include various law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, whether paid or volunteer, who are dispatched to emergency situations. Furthermore, immediate family members, defined as spouses, children, parents, in-laws, and grandparents or grandchildren living in the same household, will also receive free admission when accompanied by an eligible individual. The bill also clarifies that the department will establish regulations for verifying eligibility for these benefits.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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