This bill (S 2960) creates state funding preferences for New Jersey municipalities that adopt zoning changes to encourage denser residential development. It requires municipalities to review and update their master plans and development regulations to include specific housing strategies - such as allowing accessory dwelling units, reducing parking requirements, permitting multi-unit buildings in commercial zones, or increasing density near transit - before qualifying for preferential treatment. Municipalities that implement these changes will receive priority consideration for state grants and competitive financial assistance programs (like the Main Street New Jersey Program), as determined by the Department of Community Affairs. The bill applies to all municipalities that amend their regulations to increase permitted housing units, with funding preferences taking effect once the bill is enacted.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to consult with the Department of Agriculture and local County Agriculture Development Boards when creating the state's annual transportation capital project list. It mandates DOT to develop a method for incorporating identified agricultural transportation needs - such as road conditions affecting farm access - into its project evaluation systems. The policy directly affects New Jersey's agricultural community by ensuring farming infrastructure needs are considered in transportation planning. This change aims to support farm viability through better-connected infrastructure, without altering existing funding levels or project selection criteria.
This bill (S 1545) makes a fifth or subsequent drunk driving conviction a criminal offense (third degree) in New Jersey, rather than a traffic violation. It imposes a 10-year driver’s license suspension for repeat offenders, extending to 20 years if the offense occurs near schools (within 1,000 feet of school property, at designated school crossings, or where juveniles are present). Convicted individuals must complete alcohol education programs and pay a $100 fee, with failure to comply risking additional jail time. The bill directly affects individuals with multiple DUI convictions, particularly those driving in school zones.
New Jersey's S 1677 establishes a three-year pilot program enabling autonomous vehicle testers (including manufacturers, universities, and fleet operators) to test self-driving cars on public roads. Testers must register vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission, carry $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure licensed operators are seated in the driver's seat monitoring operations. A seven-member task force will oversee safety protocols, handle collision responses, gather public feedback, and coordinate with law enforcement on security guidelines throughout the program.
This bill requires used car dealers to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for open recalls using a vehicle’s VIN before selling it. If recalls exist, dealers must inform buyers and provide printed recall details; they cannot sell vehicles with active "stop sale" or "do not drive" orders. The bill also limits attorneys’ fees in consumer lawsuits under the Consumer Fraud Act to either $1,000 or one-third of awarded damages, whichever is lower. It applies to dealers selling used vehicles at retail (excluding wholesale or junkyard sales), directly protecting buyers from purchasing unsafe vehicles and capping legal costs in fraud cases.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation to create safe parking zones along federal highways specifically for commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. It allocates up to $50 million from federal infrastructure funds (under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to cover eligible costs for establishing these zones. The DOT must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on program progress, including locations created, safety impacts, and funds spent, until the money is fully used. The policy directly affects truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators by improving roadside parking safety.
This bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to voluntarily report their diagnosis to New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). They can add a special notation to their driver's license, permit, or ID card by submitting the information online, by mail, or when applying for a license. The notation is kept confidential - exclusively for use by law enforcement during traffic stops to help officers communicate effectively - and cannot be accessed by the public or other agencies. The program mirrors an existing system for diabetes notations but applies specifically to autism diagnoses.
This bill creates a program through New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank to help school districts replace diesel school buses with electric ones. It allocates $20 million annually from state "societal benefits charge" revenues to fund loans and financial assistance for purchasing electric buses and charging infrastructure. School districts must complete energy assessments comparing costs and environmental benefits of electric vs. diesel buses, with priority given to districts in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. The program requires school districts to repay loans using operational savings from electric buses, and the Infrastructure Bank must submit an annual project priority list to the legislature.
S 159 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to expand or modify bus, paratransit, and rail service routes and hours within one year to better accommodate the mobility needs of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Before making these changes, NJT must directly solicit input from autistic individuals and their advocates. The bill also mandates that NJT seek annual feedback from this group to assess whether current services meet their needs and whether further adjustments are needed. This law directly affects NJT's service planning and requires ongoing collaboration with the autism community.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Division of Law and Public Safety (DLPS) to establish a weigh-in-motion monitoring program. It directly affects commercial truck drivers and freight carriers operating on state roads, replacing manual roadside inspections with automated sensors that measure vehicle weight while vehicles are moving. Key provisions include mandating certified monitoring systems, creating a defense for drivers traveling between pickup points to scales (using system data), and allowing weight redistribution adjustments for minor violations. The program would change enforcement by enabling real-time weight checks without stopping vehicles, pending legislative approval.
