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A 954

Provides that certified handicapped individuals may use an ATV on public land for transportation purposes only, during the hunting season

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 7 co-sponsors

Allows certified handicapped hunters to use ATVs on public land for transportation only during hunting season, improving access to hunting areas while limiting ATV use.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 954

Summary: Assembly Bill A 954

Overview

Assembly Bill A 954 would allow certified handicapped individuals to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on public land strictly for transportation purposes, and only during the hunting season. The bill has been introduced and is currently referred to the Transportation Committee.

  • Bill Number: A 954
  • Title: Provides that certified handicapped individuals may use an ATV on public land for transportation purposes only, during the hunting season
  • Status: Referred to Transportation
  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim appears to be to improve access for certified handicapped individuals to reach hunting areas by permitting ATV use on public land during hunting season, while restricting the activity to transportation rather than other ATV uses.

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Eligibility: Individuals must be certified handicapped.
  • Use of ATV: Authorized on public land, but limited to transportation purposes only.
  • Timing: Authorization applies during the hunting season.
  • Scope of use: No allowance beyond transportation related to hunting; other ATV activities would not be authorized under this bill.

Note: The exactCertification process, definitions of “transportation purposes,” and any safety, equipment, or operator requirements are not detailed in the provided summary.

Who Is Affected

  • Certified handicapped individuals who hunt and need access across public land to reach hunting locations.
  • Public land management agencies and law enforcement responsible for enforcing ATV usage within the defined scope.
  • The broader hunting community may experience changes in accessibility and logistics for participants with disabilities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Legislative action: Referred to Transportation (listed twice in the actions, indicating the initial referral).
  • There is no information in the provided material about further committee hearings, amendments, or floor votes.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Joe Angelino
  • Cosponsors: John Lemondes, Brian Manktelow, Angelo J. Morinello, David DiPietro, Joe DeStefano, David McDonough, Brian D. Miller
  • Note: The bill has a broad group of sponsors. Additional context indicates several related or companion bills exist from prior sessions.

Related Bills and Context

  • Related/Companion: S 6623 (listed as a companion)
  • Prior-session bills with related themes include A 2273, A 2457, A 3630, A 4636, A 1889, A 2634, A 1401, A 5351, A 2579. These may reflect ongoing interest in accessibility and outdoor recreation provisions across sessions.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Accessibility: Could improve hunting participation and mobility for certified handicapped individuals.
  • Public Lands: May require updates to ATV policy on public lands, including safety standards and enforcement practices.
  • Safety and Compliance: The narrow use-case (“transportation only”) suggests a need for clear enforcement guidelines to prevent use beyond permitted purposes.
  • Fiscal/Administrative: Any future fiscal notes or implementation costs would depend on clarifications not provided in the current summary.

This summary captures the essential elements of A 954 as introduced. For a deeper analysis, the text of the bill and any accompanying fiscal notes or amendments would be needed.

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

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