Gov. Chris Christie Signs 2 Bills Into Law, Vetoes Beach Smoking Ban

Gov. Chris Christie recently signed two bills into law while vetoing two others, including a smoking ban at state parks and beaches.

Christie said he was vetoing the smoking ban because it was an "inappropriate encroachment by the state into an area of public policy properly reserved for local governments."

Christie also signed a budget that includes $34.5 billion in appropriations, a 2.1 percent increase over the fiscal year 2016 budget, with no increase in taxes.

"This will accommodate the reasonable spending necessary to provide stability for New Jersey’s economy while meeting the state’s fiscal obligations," according to the Christie administration.

He said that well over 200 towns have banned smoking, and that many towns would have to post new "no smoking" signs at all entrances at their own expense, facing fines if they don't.

"Even towns that have already restricted smoking in their parks and beaches could be negatively impacted by having to conform their particular practices to these requirements," he said.

BILLS SIGNED:

• A-2949 (DeAngelo, Pinkin, Tucker, Andrzejczak, Conaway, Land/Beach, Allen) - Protects the northern diamondback terrapin as a non-game indigenous species, which is declining due to illegal harvesting, habitat loss and predation.
• A-2515/S-2003 (DeAngelo, Pinkin, Tucker, Andrzejczak, Conaway, Land/Beach, Allen) – Establishes New Jersey Military Skills Council

BILL VETOED:

• A-893/S-1734 (Vainieri Huttle, Jimenez, Moriaty, Downey/Turner, Vitale) – CONDITIONAL - Prohibits smoking at public parks and beaches
• A-1663/S-1142 (Schaer, Prieto, Sumter, Danielsen, Johnson, Mukherji/Turner) – CONDITIONAL - Requires county, municipal and campus police departments to establish cultural diversity training course and plan