New Jersey Introduces Universal Beach Access Bill Following Surfer’s Arrest
A new bill addressing beach access landed in the New Jersey legislature on February 19, 2025. The legislation comes after a confrontation between police and a local surfer that ignited widespread public debate.
The bill seeks to standardize rules across 200 coastal towns. The initiative comes from a September incident where surfer Liam Mahoney got into a standoff with police over beach access.
State Rep. Margie Donlon wants to simplify complicated beach rules at the heart of the bill. Existing beach badge fees will remain, but the rules would create standard access for water sports and fishing.
“New Jersey’s shoreline and coastal communities are some of our state’s greatest treasures,” said Governor Phil Murphy to NJ.gov.
This bill expands on 2019’s landmark law that made beach access part of the state code. Those rules require the Department of Environmental Protection to include access points in coastal permits.
Ross Kushner, representing the New Jersey Coastal Alliance, argues that taxpayers shouldn’t pay extra fees since they already support beach upkeep through taxes.
Many towns keep people out using indirect methods – scarce parking, food restrictions, and lack of bathrooms. Some places only sell beach badges to residents.
“The public trust doctrine ensures the right for New Jersey residents to have access to its natural resources, beautiful landscapes, and natural waters,” said Senator Bob Smith to NJ.gov.
Officials abandoned former Governor Jon Corzine’s strict quarter-mile beach access rule after legal challenges.
Tim Dillingham of the American Littoral Society told WHYY, “This legislation was supported by almost every major conservation, fishing, and surfing organization in the state, from beach advocates to defenders of access along urban waterways.”
The bill heads to the Tourism, Gaming, and Arts Committee next. Officials hope to complete voting before the summer of 2025.
Local business owner Mike Gleason supports the changes, saying clear rules will reduce confusion for visitors.
The Sierra Club cautions that previous laws had loopholes, leading to disputes between towns and public access supporters. They’re calling for tougher protections.
