This is a Senate resolution (SR 14) urging Congress to pass the "Safe and Open Streets Act" (pending as S.3492/H.R.6926). The resolution states the Act would make it a federal crime to intentionally block public roads or highways to obstruct commerce or delay movement of goods. It cites disruptions from protests - like those in New York City and Los Angeles - as justification, noting such blockages endanger people, disrupt emergency services, and divert law enforcement resources. The resolution itself does not create law but formally requests Congress enact the proposed federal criminal penalty.
This bill redirects fines for speeding violations under "Antwan's Law" in specific Burlington City zones (Route 130) to local municipalities. Currently, these tripled fines go to general municipal funds and county road funds, but this bill requires all such fines to be paid directly into the municipality's treasury. The funds must be used exclusively for pedestrian safety initiatives and law enforcement purposes within the municipality. It affects drivers who speed in the designated Burlington City areas covered by Antwan's Law, which reduces speed limits to 25-35 mph near schools and residential zones following a pedestrian fatality.
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 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 clarifies and increases penalties for obstructing highways or public passages in New Jersey. It separates reckless obstruction (now a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine) from purposeful obstruction that affects commerce (now a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The bill also specifies that gathering to hear speech or communicate does not alone constitute obstruction, and makes it a violation to refuse a reasonable official order to move from a public passage. It directly affects individuals who block roads or public areas, whether alone or in groups, and updates existing penalties from current petty disorderly offense standards.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It mandates DOT to establish a program that uses these methods to reduce stormwater runoff by treating water through vegetation or soil, where practical. The law applies specifically to highway projects using funds from the designated transportation budget and takes effect immediately. It does not change funding levels but directs how existing funds must be allocated for stormwater management.
S 845 creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse small retail businesses for increased operating costs caused by public highway projects. It directly affects small businesses (≤50 employees) located in areas immediately surrounding highway construction zones where traffic flow is blocked or access is restricted. The program reimburses the difference between normal business expenses and increased costs during the project's duration ("relief period"), requiring applicants to document pre-project expenses and project-related financial impacts. Funds are appropriated from the General Fund, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis as long as money remains available. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
This bill requires New Jersey's state-managed limited access highways to have posted speed limits based on the speed at which 85% of vehicles travel, as determined through traffic engineering studies. It mandates that the Commissioner of Transportation set speed limits using this 85th percentile standard rather than default limits, applying only to highways designated as "eligible limited access highways" under state jurisdiction. The law repeals prior provisions (P.L.1997, c.415) and specifies that speed limits must be set through documented engineering analysis, including speed surveys. This directly affects state highway authorities and drivers on these specific highways, replacing fixed speed limits with data-driven standards.
Senate Bill 3234 requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to maintain specific roadways surrounding the State Capitol complex in Trenton, including sections of West State Street, West Lafayette Street, Barrack Street, and Memorial Drive. The bill mandates NJDOT to handle road paving and snow plowing for these routes, shifting responsibility from local authorities to the state agency. NJDOT may collaborate with counties, municipalities, or state agencies managing adjacent roadway sections to fulfill these duties. This bill directly affects NJDOT's operations and the maintenance of Capitol complex access roads.
