S 98 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Authorizes court to impose rescue operation costs of public entity under certain circumstances.

This bill (S 98) requires courts to make people pay for rescue operation costs when they are convicted of specific offenses. It directly affects individuals found guilty of criminal mischief (like damaging property or endangering others) combined with reckless, careless, or unsafe driving. Courts can now order these individuals to cover expenses for public rescue efforts, including police, emergency medical services, and recovery of people, pets, or property. The law applies only when the person’s actions directly caused the rescue need through their criminal or dangerous driving behavior. It does not change existing criminal penalties but adds a financial consequence for certain violations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jim Holzapfel
Jim Holzapfel
RRepublican
NJ
10