New Jersey Authorizes Free Beach Badges for Military

TRENTON, N.J. -- Towns at the Jersey shore now have the option to offer free or reduced-price beach badges to active duty military personnel and their families.

Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation Tuesday officially authorizing the discounts.

Under the old law, towns that require beach badges were only allowed to reduce rates for people 65 and older or certain people with disabilities.

The Asbury Park Press reports that some towns were already waiving fees for military members without interference from the state.

Shore-area lawmakers who sponsored the bill said they felt it was important to remove any legal obstacle that might make towns hesitant to offer the courtesy.

The legislation does not require towns to waive the fees, but gives them the option to do so.