S 2530 requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on electric vehicle (EV) fire safety. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the bill's effective date, while EMTs must complete it before certification (for new EMTs) or within 36 months (for existing EMTs). The training covers unique EV fire risks, such as the intense, prolonged heat from lithium-ion batteries, which differ from traditional gasoline fires. This policy change directly affects first responders who manage fire scenes and ensures they are prepared for the growing number of electric vehicles on New Jersey roads.
New Jersey's SCR 25 is a non-binding resolution urging Congress and the President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act's shipping restrictions. The bill targets provisions requiring goods shipped between U.S. ports to use U.S.-flagged vessels built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Puerto Rico, as an unincorporated U.S. territory, faces higher shipping costs under these rules - impacting hurricane recovery efforts like Hurricane Maria's aftermath and Puerto Rico's ongoing economic crisis. A permanent exemption would allow cheaper foreign shipping for consumer goods (excluding defense-related items), aiming to lower costs for residents and speed economic recovery. The resolution cites the 2017 hurricane and Puerto Rico's $74 billion debt as key reasons for the change.
This bill (S 1899) allows disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients with specific license plates to park in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. It directly affects New Jersey residents who hold disabled veteran license plates or Purple Heart plates certified by a doctor as limiting mobility. The key provision lets these individuals use their existing plates to park in disability zones without needing additional permits, though Purple Heart holders must carry medical certification proving mobility limitations and show it to police if asked. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill (S 3145) validates past contracts and grants temporary flexibility for one qualifying county improvement authority to enter into new agreements. It applies to a county with 500,000-700,000 residents, high population density, and at least five urban aid municipalities. The authority may enter contracts for projects under specific laws, but must comply with local public contracting rules, use project labor agreements, and pay prevailing wages for construction workers. The pilot program lasts two years, after which a report must be submitted to evaluate its effectiveness.
This bill appropriates $26.14 million to fund dredging and disposal of dredged material for navigational waterways and recreational boating areas in New Jersey. It allocates $22.14 million for specific commercial navigation projects (like Ocean County channels and Monmouth County waterways) and $4 million for recreational/residential boating areas (such as Hancy's Pond and Veeder Lagoon). The funds are directed to the Department of Environmental Protection to address critical dredging needs, including projects previously unfunded due to prior commitments to the Delaware River deepening project. The bill covers 24+ waterway projects across 10 counties, prioritizing both commercial navigation and recreational access.
This bill requires delivery network companies (like food or package delivery apps) and their drivers to maintain specific auto insurance coverage based on their activity. Drivers must carry minimum $50,000 bodily injury coverage when logged in but not delivering, and $1.5 million coverage during active deliveries using their personal vehicles. The bill also mandates companies to disclose insurance details to drivers in writing before they accept delivery requests and ensures company insurance covers claims if a driver's policy lapses. It directly affects gig economy drivers and delivery companies operating in New Jersey, aiming to guarantee adequate coverage during work-related driving.
This bill prohibits used car dealers from selling vehicles "as is" under specific conditions, directly affecting buyers and dealers. It bans deceptive practices like misrepresenting certified vehicles when odometers are rolled back, vehicles have flood damage, frame issues, or incomplete inspections. Dealers must offer buyers a contract allowing returns without cause within 2 business days (after delivery), with fees capped at $250 for vehicles under $30,000 and a 250-mile driving limit. The law also requires clear disclosure of vehicle history (e.g., "salvage" titles) and prohibits disclaiming warranties, aiming to increase transparency in used car sales.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to update the State Uniform Construction Code for parking structures to accommodate heavier electric vehicles (EVs). It mandates new parking structures to include at least 10% EV parking spaces, address EV weight loads, and include EV charger installation standards. For existing structures, the DCA must establish monitoring protocols for structural safety, publish upgrade examples, and require owners to fix safety issues within 90 days or face temporary closure. These changes directly affect parking developers, property owners, and builders of both new and existing parking facilities.
This bill extends the statute of limitations for unlawful cell phone use while driving from 30 to 90 days, allowing more time for legal action against violators. It specifically increases penalties for texting while driving: $600 for a first offense (up from $200-$400), $800 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent offenses, with additional license points. The bill directly affects drivers who use handheld devices for texting while operating a vehicle, excluding hands-free use or emergency calls. Key mechanisms include the longer legal window for prosecutions and significantly higher fines for texting violations compared to general cell phone use. The changes apply to New Jersey's existing restrictions under C.39:4-97.3.
S 67 requires New Jersey public school districts to teach students in grades 9-12 about the dangers of texting while driving as part of their health education curriculum. Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, schools must cover how distracted driving correlates with erratic behavior (like lane-weaving) and provide statistics on related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The Commissioner of Education will provide sample lesson materials and resources to support this instruction. This bill directly affects all New Jersey public high schools and their 9th-12th grade students through mandated curriculum changes.
