S 3304 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Upgrades strict liability vehicular homicide to crime of second degree.

S 3304 upgrades "strict liability vehicular homicide" from a third-degree to a second-degree crime in New Jersey. This applies when someone causes death while driving intoxicated (violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) or operating a vessel under the influence (violating N.J.S.A. 12:7-46). The bill removes defenses related to the victim's conduct, establishes strict liability where intoxication directly caused death, and eliminates the presumption of nonimprisonment. The penalty increases from 3-5 years imprisonment (third degree) to 5-10 years (second degree), with fines rising to $150,000. This aligns penalties with similar offenses like reckless vehicular homicide.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Feb 2, 2026
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Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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