NEW JERSEY – A new bill in the New Jersey legislature will force coastal municipalities to ensure wheelchair ramp access to municipal-owned beaches and nearby recreational facilities. The bill stipulates that the Commissioner of Community Affairs guide municipalities in implementing these requirements, focusing on the number, location, and accessibility of ramps. This guidance must consider feasibility and safety measures, particularly regarding access to bodies of water. Compliance with the federal “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990” is a prerequisite.
Additionally, the bill obliges coastal municipalities to employ sufficient personnel to aid people with disabilities in accessing beaches, adjacent recreational areas, and bodies of water. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will establish standards for the number of such personnel, based on a ratio with the seasonal average of beach-going individuals with disabilities.
Presently, coastal municipalities have the authority to levy fees for beach access and related facilities. These fees fund improvements, maintenance, and protection against natural elements. The new bill expands the use of these fees to include the installation and upkeep of wheelchair ramps and the hiring of designated assistance personnel, aligning with the bill’s provisions.