S 696 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Prohibits DEP from demolishing or requiring removal of certain cabins or similar structures located in certain tidal wetlands.

This bill prohibits New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from demolishing or requiring removal of cabins or similar structures in tidal wetlands within Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, when those structures serve as general-use waystations for anyone needing temporary shelter. It specifically exempts cabins on state-acquired land prior to construction, illegally built cabins, or state-built cabins. The bill also grants the state immunity from liability for property damage or injuries related to these structures, adding to existing legal protections. The measure responds to a DEP order to remove eight historic cabins that have provided decades of shelter and hold local historical value.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of John Burzichelli
John Burzichelli
DDemocratic
NJ
3