New Jersey lawmakers are weighing a proposal that could make trips to the Jersey Shore more affordable for families with teenagers and for military veterans.
The legislation (S1533) would allow — but not require — shore municipalities to create local ordinances offering free or discounted beach access to teens ages 12 to 17.
In many towns, younger children already get on the sand at no cost, while teenagers are typically charged the same rate as adults. If adopted locally, the measure would give shore communities the flexibility to reduce or eliminate those fees for teens.
The bill is sponsored by state Sens. Carmen F. Amato Jr. (R-9th) and Raj Mukherji (D-32nd). It was advanced Thursday, Feb. 5, by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee in a unanimous vote, moving it one step further in the legislative process.
Currently, most shore towns require beachgoers to purchase a badge or tag during the summer season. Fees vary widely because they are set by individual municipalities.
Daily passes in some towns cost just a few dollars, while seasonal badges in others can exceed $100. In some communities, season rates can reach $200.
Revenue from those badge sales cover lifeguard salaries, maintain public facilities, repair boardwalks and fund erosion control efforts.
Lawmakers backing the bill argue that giving towns the option to ease costs for families would not necessarily undermine those essential services.
According to NJ Advance Media, the legislation is intended to provide towns with “more authority to ease the cost of a day at the Shore for families with teens.” Supporters say that even modest reductions could make a difference for households that visit the beach regularly during the summer months.
The proposal would not mandate fee changes, but it would give local governments the choice to either completely eliminate or reduce badge fees for teens and veterans. Municipal leaders would be able to weigh the potential impact on revenue against the benefits of expanded access.
The bill also addresses beach badge eligibility for veterans. Current state law allows free or discounted beach access only for veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty or who were discharged due to a service-connected injury.
S1533 would remove those limitations, enabling shore towns to extend free or reduced-price badges to any honorably discharged veteran, if they choose to do so.
“I think any time we can move bills in Trenton that give our municipalities greater ability to self-govern and set ordinances that fit their individual needs is a good thing. This bill allows local municipalities, based on their own community’s priorities, to choose whether they want to reduce or remove, entirely, fees for beach access for children and veterans. While I support free access for both, it should be up to the town to make that decision,” Sen. Vince Polistina said in a statement to Shore Local.
Supporters of the measure say the change would modernize eligibility rules and recognize a broader group of former service members, NJ Advance Media reported.
Beach badge policies differ significantly along the coast. While many towns charge seasonal or daily fees, some beaches remain free to the public. Therefore, the impact of the bill, if enacted, would vary from town to town.
Although the proposal cleared the Senate committee with unanimous support, it still faces several hurdles before becoming law. A companion measure must move through the Assembly, and both chambers would need to approve the bill in full before it could be sent to the governor for signature.
If ultimately enacted, the changes would not take effect immediately. But the measure signals an effort by lawmakers to balance the financial needs of shore towns with the goal of keeping New Jersey’s beaches accessible to both families and veterans.
