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 bill requires the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to create a plan detailing how these areas will remain operational during such emergencies. This plan will identify essential state employees needed to maintain services at each location. Ensuring continued public access during these shifts in governmental funding is essential for promoting outdoor engagement and preserving the accessibility of state-managed natural resources. If enacted, the legislation will compel state authorities to prioritize public access in crisis scenarios that typically limit government operations.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 1133, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that state parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas be kept open to the public for a maximum of seven days if an emergency arises due to the failure to enact a general appropriation law, as outlined in the state constitution. This bill is sponsored by Senator John F. McKeon, who represents District 27, encompassing Essex and Passaic counties. The primary objective is to ensure that the public continues to have access to these resources even amidst financial or governmental crises that could lead to a state of emergency.
Contention
Notably, while the bill serves to protect public access to recreational areas, its implications may spark debates concerning the allocation of state resources and the prioritization of funding for parks versus other essential services during financial crises. Opponents of similar legislation might argue that during funding shortages, park operations could divert critical resources from other urgent needs, raising questions about balance in emergency management and fiscal responsibility. Overall, the discussion around SB1133 highlights the tension between preserving public access to natural areas and the fiscal constraints of state-level governance.
Same As
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.
NJ A3188
Carry Over
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.
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.
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.
Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.
Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.
Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.
Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.
Requires transportation capital project and infrastructure safety inspections to continue if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by State Constitution.
Requires transportation capital project and infrastructure safety inspections to continue if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by State Constitution.