SENATE COMMUNITY AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1533

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 5, 2026

      The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1533.

      As reported, this bill allows a municipality, by ordinance, to charge no fee or a reduced beach fee to children between the ages of 12 and 17.  This bill also provides that a municipality, by ordinance, may charge no fee or a reduced beach fee to honorably discharged veterans, regardless of length of active duty or disability.

      In addition, the bill deletes language in current law limiting the exemption and reduced fee to veterans who have either served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability.

      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.