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Bill

A 4821

Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on certain bridges

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 14 co-sponsors

Mandates climb-deterrent fencing on designated bridges to reduce climbing risks and protect public safety.

REFERENCE CHANGED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
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Bill Summary · A 4821

Summary of Assembly Bill A 4821 — “Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on certain bridges”

Snapshot

  • Bill number: A 4821
  • Title: Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on certain bridges
  • Primary sponsor: Paula Kay
  • Notable sponsors (cosponsors): Sarahana Shrestha, Jonathan Jacobson, MaryJane Shimsky, Linda Rosenthal, Dana Levenberg, Kwani O’Pharrow, Chris Burdick, Aron Wieder, William Colton, Maritza Davila, Rebecca Seawright, Emily Gallagher, Karines Reyes, Christopher Eachus
  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Status/Committee history: Initially referred to Transportation (Feb 6, 2025); subsequently references changed to the Corporations, Authorities and Commissions committee (two entries on Sep 5, 2025)
  • Related bills: A 8273 (prior-session), A 9248 (prior-session); S 3053 (companion)

Purpose and intent

The bill would require the installation of climb deterrent fencing on certain bridges. The overarching goal appears to be improving public safety by reducing opportunities for individuals to climb on bridges, which can pose safety risks to climbers and may affect bridge integrity and operations.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Mandate: Install climb deterrent fencing on designated bridges.
  • Scope and criteria: The bill would define which bridges are subject to the requirement and establish standards for the fencing. (Specific bridge list, design specifications, and performance standards are not provided in the summary.)
  • Oversight and implementation: The bill would assign responsibility for implementing the fencing (likely the state Department of Transportation or a related authority, though the exact agency is not specified in the summary). The current committee reference suggests possible involvement by transportation-related or corporations/authorities bodies.
  • Maintenance and compliance: Provisions would typically address ongoing maintenance, inspection, and compliance timelines, but exact details are not included here.
  • Related legislation: A 8273 and A 9248 (prior sessions) indicate similar or related efforts; S 3053 is listed as a companion bill in another chamber.

Who would be affected

  • Bridges designated by the bill would be subject to retrofitting with climb deterrent fencing.
  • State or local transportation or infrastructure authorities responsible for implementing and maintaining the fencing.
  • Potentially, cities or counties if they own subject bridges, depending on the bill’s scope and definitions (not specified in provided material).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: February 6, 2025.
  • Referrals: Referred to Transportation on February 6, 2025; later references moved to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions (as of September 5, 2025).
  • Status: In committee (as indicated by referral actions, with current reference to CA&Cs).
  • Next steps: The bill would need to pass through the assigned committee(s) and both houses to become law; if enacted, regulations or guidelines would likely be issued to define scope, design standards, funding, and timelines.

Potential impacts

  • Public safety: Potential reduction in climbing-related incidents on eligible bridges.
  • Infrastructure costs: Capital expenditure for fencing installation and ongoing maintenance.
  • Operational considerations: Scheduling installation and ensuring minimal disruption to bridge operations.

Note: The provided information does not include exact bridge lists, fencing standards, funding provisions, or deadlines. The above reflects the content given and potential implications based on the bill’s stated purpose.

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

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