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Bill

A 1403

Allows certain campaign funds to be used for accessibility services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 4 co-sponsors

The bill requires the DEP, with DHS input, to develop and publish nationwide guidelines for beach accessibility (ramps, restrooms, boardwalks, signs) and a uniform sign indicating

REFERENCE CHANGED TO ELECTION LAW
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Bill Summary · A 1403

Summary of Assembly Bill A 1403 (Penny's Law)

Overview and Intent

  • Title: Penny's Law
  • Purpose: To ensure accessible beach facilities for persons with disabilities by requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the Department of Human Services (DHS), to develop statewide guidelines for beach accessibility and to promote uniform signage indicating compliance.
  • Primary goal: Improve physical accessibility to beaches (e.g., ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, parking, surf chairs) and provide clear information to the public on accessible beach resources.

Key Provisions

  • DEP guideline development

    • Within one year after the act’s effective date, DEP, in consultation with DHS, must develop guidelines for facilities and accommodations necessary to provide beach accessibility for persons with disabilities.
    • Guidelines must include recommendations for ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, surf chairs, parking, and any other appropriate facilities.

  • Stakeholder input and alignment with federal standards

    • DEP must consult with individuals and organizations with knowledge or experience assisting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
    • DHS must establish a process for these experts to provide input during guideline development.
    • DEP should consider U.S. Access Board guidelines for beach access routes and facilities on federal lands, as appropriate.

  • Publication and distribution

    • After adoption, DEP must publish the guidelines on its website and distribute them to every county and municipality with publicly owned beach or waterfront property.
    • DEP must design a uniform label or sign that State and local governments can display at beaches to indicate compliance with the guidelines.

  • Effective date and implementation timeline

    • The bill envisions guidelines developed within one year of the effective date; the act itself takes effect immediately (per the version content).

Fiscal Impact

  • One-time cost: Up to $132,000 to develop the beach accessibility guidelines.
  • Agencies affected: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Cost assumption: The estimate is based on staff time equivalent to about one full-time employee, including benefits.

Who is Affected

  • State government: DEP and DHS are primarily responsible for drafting, coordinating, and disseminating the guidelines.
  • Local government: Counties and municipalities with publicly owned beaches or waterfront property will receive the guidelines and promotional labeling guidance.
  • Beach users: Persons with disabilities who seek accessible beach amenities and routes.

Legislative Status and Actions

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Initial committee: Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste
  • Notable actions: Reported favorably; various legislative actions and referrals followed.
  • Current status: REFERENCE CHANGED TO ELECTION LAW (as of March 27, 2025). The bill has also been referred to other committees in different contexts, indicating ongoing status adjustments.

Sponsors and Related Bills

  • Primary sponsor: Jo Anne Simon
  • Co-sponsors: Chantel Jackson, Marianne Buttenschon, Stefani Zinerman, Harvey Epstein
  • Related bills: S 1996 (companion), A 7860, A 2237, S 8450 (companions)

Practical Notes

  • If enacted, local governments would receive a clear framework and branding for accessible beaches, potentially shaping capital investments in beach infrastructure and influencing grant and planning decisions.
  • The design and dissemination of a uniform sign could streamline compliance messaging across jurisdictions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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