(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Bruce Land and Bob Andrzejczak (Both- Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland) to provide free admission to state parks, forests, and beaches for veterans and active military personnel was released by an Assembly panel on Monday.
Current law already provides free admission to State residents who are active members of the National Guard, totally disabled, or 62 or more years of age. The bill expands that eligibility list to further honor the state’s military personnel.
“Many New Jersey’s families enjoy state beaches and state parks all year-round, but especially in the summer,” Land said. “Those who have served our country and fought to protect democracy around the world deserve free access to our state parks, and beaches. This is a small gesture to further show our gratitude for their military service.”
“This is another way to say thank you to our military men and women who have dedicated their lives to service,” Andrzejczak said. “No matter the age or time of service, our service men and women should be able to enjoy free admission to our state parks and beaches.”
The bill (A-4151) would amend current law to provide free admission to State parks, forests, and beaches for certain veterans and military personnel.
Specifically, this bill would provide free admission to veterans who are residents of the State, and to any person who is in active military service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the reserves, who is a state resident or stationed in New Jersey, regardless of their residency status.
The bill was approved by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. It has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.