Bill > S1996

Introduced Session

This bill, designated as "Penny's Law," would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to develop guidelines for specific facilities and accommodations necessary to provide accessibility to beaches for persons with disabilities. The guidelines would be required to include recommendations for ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, surf chairs, parking, and any other facilities deemed appropriate. The bill requires the DEP, when developing the guidelines, to consult with any persons or organizations with knowledge and experience in assisting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The bill requires the Department of Human Services to establish a process by which such persons and organizations will be informed of their ability to provide input and recommendations in association with the development of beach accessibility guidelines. The DEP is also required to consider, as appropriate, the guidelines for beach access routes and facilities on federal lands that have been adopted by the United States Access Board. The bill requires the DEP to publish the guidelines on its Internet website and to distribute the guidelines to every county and municipality with publicly-owned beach or waterfront property. This bill also requires the DEP to design a uniform label or sign that may be displayed by a State or local government at any beach that complies with the accessibility guidelines developed under the bill.

Committee Categories

Vin Gopal (D)*,  Teresa Ruiz (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document