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Bill > A5481


NJ A5481

NJ A5481
Authorizes free admission to State parks and forests for certain veterans, military personnel, first responders, and police.


summary

Introduced
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

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 for several groups of people, including active military personnel from any branch or reserves, veterans, first responders who are New Jersey residents, and their immediate family members. The bill defines these terms broadly: a "first responder" includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and others who respond to accidents or emergencies; a "veteran" includes those honorably discharged from military service or the Merchant Marine during World War II. Currently, free admission was already available to New Jersey National Guard members, residents over 62, and totally disabled individuals. The new bill adds these additional categories and allows immediate family members to also receive free admission, provided the qualifying person is physically present with them. The legislation aims to provide recognition and benefits to military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families by removing financial barriers to accessing state parks and forests. The act is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 03/20/2025)

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