ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1318

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 19, 2026

      The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1318.

      As amended, this bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection to construct, cause to be constructed, or enter into long-term contracts with the owners of private marinas to provide for, public boat access to any State-owned or county-owned lake or reservoir at which boats with or without onboard motors are allowed. Any contract entered into with an owner of a private marina would be subject to a public bidding process.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments to the bill would:

      (1) provide that the bill applies to reservoirs, in addition to lakes;

      (2) provide that the bill applies to lakes and reservoirs owned by counties, in addition to those owned by the State;

      (3) remove the $2 million appropriation from the bill; and

      (4) make certain technical changes.