S 1426 upgrades the penalty for drivers who leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death from a second-degree to a first-degree crime. This change increases potential prison sentences from 5-10 years to 10-20 years and fines from $150,000 to $200,000. The bill clarifies that drivers cannot claim ignorance of the death or traffic law violations as a defense. It also requires separate sentences for this offense and related charges like manslaughter, rather than merging convictions.
This bill exempts certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and equipment sales from New Jersey's sales tax within a designated aviation district. It specifically applies to air carriers operating in the area (including Atlantic City International Airport and the FAA Hughes Technical Center plus a one-mile radius) and covers services like repairs, servicing, and sales of machinery/equipment parts for aircraft. The exemption applies to aircraft with a 6,000-pound or greater takeoff weight and includes both the services and the parts sold for installation. This policy change directly benefits aircraft maintenance businesses and carriers operating in that specific economic zone by reducing their operational costs.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a year-long study on the "zipper merge" traffic method - where drivers use both lanes until a merge point, then alternate yielding - during road construction that closes lanes. The study must review existing research, evaluate benefits for reducing congestion and improving safety, analyze accident impacts, and identify needed infrastructure changes. DOT must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of completing the study. If the study supports implementation, DOT would then develop a plan for using the method on affected roadways. The bill directly affects DOT's planning process and could influence future traffic management practices during construction.
This bill (S 2559) allows New Jersey Transit (NJT) to use camera systems on buses to automatically issue citations for parking violations that obstruct bus lanes, bus stops, or designated bicycle lanes. It specifically targets drivers who illegally park in these zones when buses are present or in dedicated lanes without authorization. The system requires strict evidence handling: cameras must capture only violations, recorded images are stored securely for up to six months (or until citation resolution), and operators must undergo training and document daily system checks. Drivers can contest citations if the vehicle was a transit bus, school bus, emergency vehicle, or government vehicle performing official duties. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to stop setting expiration dates on new rail and bus tickets. Specifically, NJT must issue and honor one-way tickets and 10-trip tickets for rail, light-rail, and bus services with no expiration dates. It also mandates that NJT reinstate any unused tickets purchased before this law that expired under prior policies, within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The policy directly affects NJT passengers who previously bought tickets that expired under older rules, ensuring they can still use those tickets for travel.
S 1975 provides New Jersey school districts with additional transportation funding for the 2023-2024 school year, totaling $31.6 million. It allocates money based on student type: $40 per regular education student (including preschoolers in free full-day programs) and $275 per special education student requiring specialized transportation. This supplemental aid is added to existing state school aid, directly supporting districts with transportation costs. The bill specifies the calculation method and funding amount but does not change eligibility rules for transportation services.
This bill would allow New Jersey municipalities to impose taxes on empty standardized shipping containers stored within their borders. Tax revenue would be split: 75% retained by the municipality for local infrastructure projects (like roads or bridges), and 25% sent to the county for infrastructure or open space projects in that community. It defines standard container sizes (e.g., 20-foot and 40-foot) and requires the state to create a model ordinance to help municipalities implement the tax. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
This bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to obtain insurance coverage and register the vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It directly affects anyone who owns or operates these devices, replacing current law that did not require registration or insurance. Key mechanisms include: (1) mandating insurance similar to motor vehicles, (2) creating an MVC registration system with a fee, (3) requiring completion of an online safety training module before registration, and (4) establishing labeling standards for manufacturers. The bill also updates definitions and clarifies that these vehicles must follow bicycle traffic rules where applicable.
S 652 requires rail companies transporting large volumes of hazardous materials (like 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of other hazardous substances) to create and maintain emergency response, cleanup, and contingency plans. It directly affects rail operators of "high hazard trains" carrying these materials. The bill also mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request bridge inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess safety risks. These requirements aim to improve preparedness and safety for potential rail spills involving hazardous materials.
The Vehicle Choice Protection Act (S 1930) prohibits New Jersey state agencies from creating rules or policies that restrict the sale, registration, or use of new gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. It directly affects state departments and commissions by blocking them from adopting regulations that would limit internal combustion engine vehicles. The bill’s key provision bans any rule, regulation, policy, or executive action with the purpose or effect of restricting these vehicles, applying to all state agencies. This bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not change existing vehicle standards or promote specific vehicle types.
