New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3857

Introduced

5/15/23

Refer

5/15/23

Caption

Requires certain parking lots to have minimum two percent of total spaces designated for individuals with children.

Impact

The enactment of SB S3857 is expected to influence state laws concerning facility management and public accessibility. By mandating that shopping centers and grocery stores make provisions for families with small children, the bill aims to enhance convenience for these individuals while promoting family-friendly retail spaces. The requirement for clear signage and proximate parking locations is likely to improve the overall shopping experience for families, potentially increasing foot traffic to these establishments as they can more readily accommodate patrons supervising young children. As a regulatory approach, it could set a precedent for additional accessibility-focused legislation in other sectors.

Summary

Senate Bill S3857 requires that certain parking lots in New Jersey allocate a minimum of two percent of their total parking spaces for individuals accompanied by children aged 12 years or younger. This legislation targets shopping centers and grocery stores with more than 100 off-street parking spaces that are open to the public. The designated parking spaces must be located in a highly accessible area and marked with visible signage, distinct from those reserved for individuals with disabilities, ensuring clarity for all users of the parking facilities. The bill emphasizes supporting families and improving access for parents at busy retail locations, acknowledging the challenges that families face when navigating parking lots with young children.

Contention

While the intention behind SB S3857 is largely seen as positive, some local business owners and organization representatives have raised concerns regarding the potential financial implications of implementing these designated spaces. The requirement may place an additional burden on smaller businesses that operate on tighter budgets, especially considering the costs associated with signage and potential reconfiguration of existing parking layouts. There may also be concerns regarding compliance and the enforcement mechanism for this legislation, particularly in how penalties would be administered for violations. This has sparked discussion about balancing the needs of families with the operational realities of businesses in New Jersey.