Bill
Bill > A299
NJ A299
NJ A299Establishes increased penalties for smoking cannabis or marijuana on public beaches.
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
The New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act (the Act) prohibits the smoking of cannabis and marijuana, as well as cigarettes, on a public beach. Penalties for smoking in violation of the Act are $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. This bill increases the penalties for smoking cannabis or marijuana on a public beach to $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $1,500 for the third and subsequent offenses. The penalties for smoking cigarettes on a public beach would remain unchanged. Beach towns in New Jersey have experienced difficulty in enforcing the Act in light of the legalization of recreational cannabis and the decriminalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey. It is the sponsor's view that these increased penalties will help deter the smoking of cannabis and marijuana on public beaches in this State.
AI Summary
This bill amends the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act, which currently prohibits smoking cannabis, marijuana, and cigarettes on public beaches, by increasing the penalties specifically for smoking cannabis or marijuana on these public beaches. Under the proposed changes, the fines for smoking cannabis or marijuana on a public beach would rise from the current $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $1,500 for a third and any further offenses, while penalties for smoking cigarettes on beaches would remain unchanged. This adjustment is intended to address enforcement challenges faced by beach towns following the legalization of recreational cannabis and decriminalization of marijuana in New Jersey, with the goal of deterring such activity on public beaches.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A299 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/299_I1.HTM |
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