ASSEMBLY, No. 3494

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 25, 2020

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE

District 37 (Bergen)

SYNOPSIS

     Prohibits snowplow operators from depositing snow in front of certain access points used by persons with disabilities.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

An Actconcerning the removal of snow near certain access points used by persons with disabilities and supplementing Title 39 of the Revised Statutes.

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

     1.    The operator of any snowplow or other equipment used for the removal of snow on a public roadway, public walkway, or on private property open to the public or to which the public is invited, shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow on any properly marked access ramp, curb cut, special parking space, or other improvement designed to provide access to persons with disabilities.  If snow is obstructing any properly marked access ramp, curb cut, special parking space, or other improvement designed to provide access to persons with disabilities, it shall be removed within 24 hours after the weather condition causing the snow ceases. An operator of any snowplow or other snow removal equipment who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be fined $250 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense.

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

     This bill prohibits snowplow operators or operators of equipment used for the removal of snow on a public roadway, public walkway, or on private property open to the public or to which the public is invited, from depositing snow or causing snow to be deposited on any properly marked access ramp, curb cut, special parking space, or other improvement designed to provide access to persons with disabilities. The bill also requires that, if snow is obstructing any properly marked access ramp, curb cut, special parking space, or other improvement designed to provide access to persons with disabilities, it be removed within 24 hours after the weather condition causing the snow ceases. An operator who fails to comply with the provisions of this bill is to be fined $250 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense.

     The removal of snow from public roadways, public walkways, and other areas open to the public is a critical service during an emergency snow event. However, snow removal activities that cause snow deposits to obstruct access ramps, curb cuts, special parking spaces, and other improvements designed to provide access to persons with disabilities creates potential health and safety risks and impedes the mobility of many New Jersey residents.