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Bill > A2019
NJ A2019
NJ A2019"Penny's Law"; requires DEP to develop beach accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities.
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, designated as "Penny's Law," would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Human Services (DHS), 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 DHS 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), working with the Department of Human Services (DHS), create guidelines to make beaches accessible for people with disabilities, covering things like ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, special surf chairs, and parking. The DEP must consult with groups experienced in helping individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and the DHS will ensure these groups are aware of their opportunity to provide input. The DEP will also consider accessibility standards already established by the United States Access Board for federal lands. Once finalized, the DEP will publish these guidelines online and send them to all counties and municipalities that own public beaches or waterfront property, and will also design a special label or sign for beaches that meet these new accessibility standards.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste 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/A2019 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2019_I1.HTM |
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