Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires public access to beaches and tidal waters under the public trust doctrine.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to make all permits that change the footprint of an existing structure or a change in the use of a property in applicable areas conditional on additional access to tidal waters and adjacent shorelines consistent with the public trust doctrine (Sec. 4).

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to make all permits involving an existing marina conditional upon maintaining at least the current level of public access (Sec. 5).

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to make all permits involving an existing marina where there was not public access previously conditional on a public access plan (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to restrict public access in order to protect critical habitat areas and endangered species (Sec. 6).

• Specifies that the Department of Environmental Protection must restrict public access to areas which require hazardous waste removal plans or are owned by the military (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text