S 3456 would incorporate boardwalks into New Jersey's existing transportation local aid program and establish a new Local Aid Infrastructure Fund specifically for boardwalk construction, repair, and maintenance projects. Municipalities with boardwalks - common in coastal communities - would be eligible to apply for state funding through both the amended transportation program and the new grant fund. The bill directly expands eligibility for these structures, which are critical for tourism and public access in beach towns, by adding them to state transportation funding streams. This policy change provides concrete financial support for boardwalk upkeep without altering other transportation funding rules.
This bill increases penalties for driving with a license suspended due to a DUI conviction. For third or subsequent offenses, it mandates 30 to 180 days in jail (up from fines alone) and adds a 1-year license suspension extension. It also imposes longer prison terms (60-180 days for repeat offenses) when driving near schools, school zones, or within 1,000 feet of school property. These changes apply specifically to individuals convicted of operating a vehicle during a DUI-related license suspension.
This bill establishes a statewide program within New Jersey's Department of Transportation to address safety hazards from abandoned mines. It requires the DOT to create a reclamation plan mapping all abandoned mines, identifying the most dangerous sites (like those threatening infrastructure or causing subsidence), and prioritizing projects to stabilize or reclaim them. The program will use a dedicated fund (funded by federal grants, state appropriations, and donations) to finance reclamation work, which may include contracting with private firms or providing grants. Property owners near affected mines will be notified before DOT enters their land for reclamation, but the state cannot require them to pay for these projects. The bill directly affects DOT operations and property owners in areas with abandoned mining sites.
This bill requires New Jersey state agencies and local governments to give preference to in-state businesses employing New Jersey residents when awarding contracts for "critical infrastructure projects" funded by state money. Critical projects include transportation, sewer, water, or school construction deemed economically necessary by the Governor during downturns. The Department of Treasury must create rules defining "qualified businesses" and setting limits on how much preference can be given. The preference requirement takes effect immediately, but the actual rulemaking process must be completed before the preference can be applied.
This bill creates a one-year pilot program to help New Jersey fire departments test new technology for fighting electric vehicle fires. The Division of Fire Safety will award $5,000 grants to county fire marshals or code enforcers (where no marshal exists) to purchase and test emerging fire suppression equipment. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing the technology used, its effectiveness, and whether additional equipment would benefit their department. The program is funded by up to $115,000 from the Universal Service Fund, with $10,000 reserved for program administration. It expires one year after enactment, aiming to address documented challenges in extinguishing high-voltage battery fires.
This bill creates a state-funded grant program to help local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses (under 50 employees) cover costs for workforce shuttle services. Grants can be used to purchase or lease shuttles, operate shuttle services in high-traffic areas, or partner with employers to provide employee transportation. Applicants must demonstrate employer funding commitments and show sufficient resources to cover operating costs. The program is funded by an annual $10 million state appropriation, with priority given to areas experiencing rapid population growth or traffic congestion.
This bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.
This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to ensure all interior doors providing access to train operator cabins or control compartments remain locked at all times, except during emergencies or when health, safety, or security demands otherwise. It directly affects NJT passenger trains by mandating this safety measure for all rail vehicles owned or operated by NJ Transit. The key provision is the permanent locking requirement for these specific doors, with clear exceptions for emergency situations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill allows New Jersey counties to charge a voter-approved fee to fund local infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems. Counties must first get voter approval (over 50% in a referendum) for the fee's amount, duration, and projects before collecting it. Proceeds from the fee must be used exclusively for infrastructure construction within that county, administered by the county government. It does not change existing state funding for infrastructure but gives counties a new local funding option.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and New Jersey Transit (NJT) to study and report on transportation infrastructure needs in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties. The study must cover repair/maintenance of existing roads, bridges, and rail lines; potential new construction; environmental impacts; emergency evacuation planning (including routes and alternatives); traffic congestion; estimated costs; and federal funding availability. The report, due within six months, will inform decisions on coastal transportation improvements. This directly affects residents and emergency planning in these six coastal counties.
