TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Van Drew and Jim Beach that will allow shore towns, by ordinance, to provide free or reduced cost beach access to military veterans received final approval yesterday by the full Senate. The bill was sent to the desk of the governor.
The bill (S-958) would expand current law, which allows towns to provide free or discounted beach tags to active duty military and active duty New Jersey National Guard members.
“Military veterans have put their lives on the line so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have in this country. During the summers, when we are at the beach with our families and friends, our military personnel are in war zones,” said Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “When members of our Armed Forced have completed their service to this country, it makes no sense to ask them to pay to get onto our beaches. Offering free access is just a very small benefit that we can offer these men and women, and this bill provides municipalities with the ability to do so.”
“It is because of our military personnel that we are able to live as we do in this country. Once these men and women return home, we must show them the honor, appreciation and respect they deserve,” said SenatorBeach (D-Burlington/Camden). “We already permit shore towns in our state to offer free and reduced cost beach tags to active duty military. It just makes sense that we extend their authority so they can offer this benefit to military veterans too.”
The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 39-0. The Assembly approved it unanimously in 2012.