Monmouth County lawmaker proposes bill to clarify Jersey Shore beach badge laws

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A Monmouth County lawmaker wants to clarify the laws of beach access on a state level following the arrest of a surfer in Belmar over the summer. The now-viral video of surfer Liam Mahoney’s arrest back in August led to Assemblywoman Margie Donlon’s proposed law, which clarifies the Public Trust Doctrine, stating anyone looking to access the ocean just to surf or fish should do so without a badge requirement. “I was surprised that different municipalities have different interpretations of that law and the confusion led to an unfortunate incident in Belmar, so that’s what precipitated this,” said Donlon, a Democrat representing several Monmouth County shore communities. Belmar police say the arrest happened because Mahoney failed to comply with the officer. But Donlon believes this would never have happened if all towns followed the same rules. RELATED: Arrest of surfer in Belmar sheds light on whether beachgoers should have to pay for beach access RELATED: Belmar police release video showing moments leading up to controversial arrest of surfer “The goal is for clarity and consistency,” Donlon replied. Some surfers taking part in the Grudge contest preliminary heats in Seaside Heights tell News 12 they’re not looking to end badges for everyone, rather, just be fair about it. “I do think if you are surfing and just walking on the beach with a surfboard and nothing else, the town should allow you in the water,” said Adam Holloway, a surfer from Manasquan. “I understand the beach badges help fund a lot of different things if you’re going to sit and relax on the beach, but according to the law, the federal government owns the high tide to beyond,” said Colin McNamara, of Shark River Hills. “It’s only three months out of the year there’s the badges anyway so where are they the rest of the year.” Donlon’s bill now heads to committee. She hopes to have her proposed law in place by next summer. "