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Bill > S2570

NJ S2570

NJ S2570
"Penny's Law"; requires DEP to develop beach accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities.

summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

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.

AI Summary

This bill, known as "Penny's Law," mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, create guidelines to ensure beaches are accessible for people with disabilities. These guidelines will cover essential facilities and accommodations such as ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, specialized surf chairs, and parking, and will also consider recommendations from experts and organizations that support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, with the Department of Human Services ensuring these groups are informed about how to provide input. The DEP will also review accessibility guidelines already established for federal lands by the United States Access Board, a federal agency that develops accessibility standards. Once finalized, the DEP will publish these guidelines online and distribute them to all counties and municipalities that own public beaches or waterfront property, and will also design a uniform sign or label that compliant beaches can display to indicate their adherence to these new accessibility standards.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
(3 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2570
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2570_I1.HTM
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