S 1931 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Increases penalty for reckless vehicular homicide committed when driving while intoxicated under certain circumstances.

This bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
upper
2 primary · 6 co-sponsors

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