S 2318 establishes a low-carbon transportation fuel standard program in New Jersey, requiring gasoline and diesel refiners, wholesalers, importers, and alternative fuel producers (who choose to participate) to meet annual carbon intensity standards for transportation fuels. The program mandates a 10% reduction in the average carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, measured using the GREET model to assess life-cycle emissions. It creates a credit-trading system where producers of low-carbon fuels earn tradable credits to offset deficits from higher-carbon fuels, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. This directly affects fuel suppliers and producers, aiming to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions while incentivizing cleaner fuel markets.
This bill (S 715) creates a "Small Business Interruption Grant Program" administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). It provides grants to small businesses (defined as independently owned, employing fewer than 10 people with under $1.5 million in annual revenue) that suffer extended closures (over one month) due to state or public entity infrastructure or construction projects. The EDA would determine grant amounts based on the business’s operating expenses during the closure, funded by contributions from project entities (0-5% of the project’s estimated cost). Businesses must apply through the EDA, demonstrating eligibility under the defined criteria.
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S 3156 requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, under 750 watts) and scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and carry insurance, which were not required under previous law. The bill mandates registration with the MVC and proof of insurance, amending existing insurance and registration laws to include these vehicles. This applies to all current and future owners of such vehicles, changing their operational requirements on public roads. Additional provisions include manufacturer labeling requirements and restrictions on where these vehicles can be operated, such as on bicycle paths or trails.
S 1147 requires the New Jersey Department of Education to reimburse school bus drivers in eligible public school districts for the cost of obtaining a commercial driver license (CDL) and required endorsements. This applies only to drivers working for districts that own and operate their own school buses (not using contractors), provided they maintain their CDL, complete required training, and commit to five years of employment. If a driver leaves before five years, they must repay the reimbursement prorated: 100% if employed less than three years, or 50% if employed four years. The bill aims to reduce upfront costs for drivers while ensuring long-term service from districts that manage their own transportation.
This New Jersey bill suspends school bus driving endorsements for one year if a driver accumulates four or more traffic violation points from convictions (including out-of-state violations). It directly affects school bus drivers and applicants who have four or more current points under the state's point system. The Motor Vehicle Commission must notify the Education Commissioner, who then informs the school district or contractor employing the driver. To regain an endorsement after suspension, drivers must pass both a knowledge test and skills test. The bill lowers the point threshold for suspension from the current 12 points to 4 points.
This bill creates a toll relief program for New Jersey drivers using E-ZPass. It requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to provide a 50% credit on tolls paid for 35 or more qualifying transactions (standard toll payments) per month on the Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, or Atlantic City Expressway. The program is funded by $250 million from the General Fund for each authority, with credits posted within one month of earning. Authorities must submit quarterly reports on credits issued and the program expires one year after enactment.
This bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and personnel to call 911 during potential life-threatening emergencies involving students. It also mandates that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with specific safety features (though the exact features are not detailed in the provided text). The bill updates training requirements to include recognizing life-threatening emergencies and proper procedures for students with disabilities, requiring twice-yearly training and certification for all personnel. These changes apply to school bus contractors and school districts in New Jersey, with implementation tied to a pending training program update. The bill includes funding (an appropriation) for these requirements.
This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue special windshield stickers for qualifying electric vehicles (EVs). Owners of EVs meeting the bill's definition - vehicles powered solely by electricity without hydrocarbon fuel (excluding plug-in hybrids) - would display these stickers to be exempt from annual emission inspections. The sticker system would replace the current emission inspection requirement for these vehicles, as specified in the amended statute. The bill directly affects EV owners in New Jersey by simplifying inspection compliance for their vehicles.
This bill increases penalties for drivers who flee the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death or injury. It raises the fine range from $2,500-$5,000 to $5,000-$10,000 for first offenses, while maintaining the option of up to 180 days in jail and a one-year driving license suspension. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of leaving such accidents, with repeat offenses resulting in permanent loss of driving privileges. It does not alter the core requirements for stopping at accidents or providing information to victims or police, only strengthening financial and license penalties for violations.
This bill imposes new annual registration fees for electric vehicles in New Jersey starting July 2025: $300 for passenger EVs and $450 for commercial EVs (defined as vehicles used for hire, compensation, or property transport). It simultaneously reduces highway fuel taxes - lowering gasoline tax from 10.5¢ to 7¢ per gallon and diesel tax from 13.5¢ to 9¢ per gallon. All fees and reduced fuel tax revenues will fund the Transportation Trust Fund. The bill also directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on alternative transportation revenue sources.
