S 1709 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Clarifies that certain beach owners and lessees have no duty to keep beach safe or to warn of hazards; provides immunity from liability, in certain cases, for injuries occurring on beach or in adjacent waters.

This bill (S 1709) removes legal duties and liability for private beach owners/lessees who allow public access for recreation. It states they have no obligation to keep beaches safe or post warning signs when the beach is unguarded (no lifeguard on-site). Owners also cannot be sued for injuries occurring on unguarded beaches or during guarded times, except in cases of willful misconduct, negligence by the owner/lifeguard, or gross negligence when visitors use the beach for non-public purposes. The law directly affects private beach operators and beachgoers who might seek compensation for injuries.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jun 24, 2024
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Jun 24, 2024
Upper · Passed
Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
upper
Jun 24, 2024
Committee
Transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
upper
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors