S 531 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Provides that limitation on lawsuit option does not apply in accident caused by drunk driver.

This bill amends New Jersey's auto insurance law to remove a legal exemption for drunk drivers in personal injury lawsuits. Under current law, victims generally cannot sue for "noneconomic losses" (like pain and suffering) unless they suffer severe injuries. This bill specifically states that the exemption does not apply when an accident is caused by a driver convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) under state or similar laws. It directly affects victims of drunk driving accidents who would otherwise be barred from seeking compensation for non-monetary damages. The change applies automatically upon conviction for OUI, without requiring additional proof from the victim.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of Jon Bramnick
Jon Bramnick
RRepublican
NJ
21