Bill
Bill > S696
NJ S696
NJ S696Prohibits DEP from demolishing or requiring removal of certain cabins or similar structures located in certain tidal wetlands.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from removing, or requiring the removal of, any cabin or similar structure located in tidal wetlands in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County when the cabin serves as a general use structure available to use to anyone who needs a way station. The bill provides that the State would not be liable for any damage to personal or real property or injury incurred to a person using such a cabin or similar structure. This immunity of the State from liability would be in addition to other immunity provided to the State by any other statutory or common law. The prohibition and the liability immunity in the bill would not apply to any cabin or similar structure: (1) for which there is documentation demonstrating that the State acquired the land on which the cabin or similar structure is located prior to the construction of the cabin or similar structure; (2) for which there is documentation demonstrating that the cabin or similar structure was built in violation of State law; or (3) constructed by the State. This bill is in response to an action previously taken by the DEP ordering that eight cabins located in tidal wetlands in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County be removed. These cabins, in existence for decades, serve as unique shelter and are of local historic importance.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from demolishing or requiring the removal of certain cabins or similar structures located in tidal wetlands in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, provided these structures are generally available for use as a "way station," meaning a temporary resting place for anyone needing shelter. The bill also states that the State will not be held liable for any damage to property or injury to individuals using these structures, in addition to any existing legal protections. However, these protections do not apply if the State owned the land before the cabin was built, if the cabin was constructed illegally, or if the State itself built the cabin. This legislation is a response to a previous DEP order to remove eight such cabins that have existed for decades and are considered historically significant local shelters.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S696 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/696_I1.HTM |
Loading...