New Jersey Assembly Bill A3188

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

Impact

The legislation aims to amend the current operational protocols for state parks and historic sites during emergencies, specifically those tied to budgetary issues. By establishing a clear requirement for open public access, the bill impacts how the Commissioner of Environmental Protection will manage these resources during fiscal crises. It necessitates the development of contingency plans to ensure that essential services at these sites continue to operate, mitigating potential disruptions for the public.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3188 introduces a mandate requiring that all state parks, forests, and natural and historic areas in New Jersey remain open to the public for seven days in the event of a declared emergency that arises from the failure to enact a general appropriation law by the constitutional deadline. The intent behind this bill is to ensure public access to these areas even during challenging governmental situations, thereby promoting public enjoyment of state resources regardless of funding uncertainties.

Contention

While the bill is generally positioned as a positive move toward public access, potential points of contention could arise around the logistics of executing such a directive. Concerns may involve the specific criteria for defining essential personnel and the adequacy of resources allocated to maintain operational status at these sites during emergencies. Additionally, debates may emerge regarding approval processes for emergency declarations and how this bill interacts with broader state funding dynamics, especially in times of fiscal distress.