Bill > S2924

This bill, known as the "Liberty State Park Protection Act," establishes new requirements for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding actions taken at Liberty State Park. It prohibits the DEP from considering proposals to commercialize, develop, or privatize the park, with specific exceptions for small-scale commercial activities that enhance visitor enjoyment of the park's resources, such as concessions for bike rentals or food. The bill also prevents the transfer of property rights for certain areas, including a 215-acre interior section designated for natural restoration and active recreation, and the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula, a vital estuarine ecosystem. While existing operations like the Liberty Science Center and the marina can be renewed or amended, they cannot be expanded beyond their current footprints, with a limited exception for a small indoor boat dry rack facility at the marina. The bill also allows for the construction of telecommunications infrastructure without it being considered a commercial activity or property transfer, provided it's necessary for public communication services and minimizes environmental impact. Furthermore, the DEP must now hold public forums and comment periods twice a year to gather public input on park management and post proposed agreements for concessions or property transfers on its website. The bill also amends existing law to prevent the DEP from granting private profit-making rights for facilities in Liberty State Park, except as allowed by this new act, while also excluding telecommunications infrastructure from these restrictions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2924