Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

This bill (S 2454) increases penalties for businesses, public facilities, NJ Transit, and ride-sharing companies that deny access to service dogs and their handlers. Currently, first-time violators face civil fines ($250), but this bill makes the first violation a criminal "petty disorderly persons offense" (up to 30 days jail or $500 fine), with repeat offenses becoming more severe (up to 1 year jail for second+ violations). Penalties collected fund law enforcement training on service dog access rights. The bill applies to violations of existing laws covering public accommodations (P.L.1971, c.130), NJ Transit (P.L.2016, c.25), and transportation network companies (P.L.2017, c.26).