The SAFE Act (S 1915) creates a New Jersey scholarship program to help low-income teens aged 16-17 cover the cost of a required six-hour behind-the-wheel driver education course. It appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund to provide scholarships covering the full course cost or $500 (whichever is less) for eligible residents from households at or below twice the federal poverty level. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, pass a written driving exam, and meet income requirements. The program, administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission, will award scholarships on a rolling basis as funds allow, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.
This bill (S 1471) prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from implementing automatic fare increases for bus and rail services. It bans scheduled fare hikes that would occur after a set time period without new approval, as defined in the bill. The law takes immediate effect, directly affecting NJT passengers by preventing unannounced fare increases tied to pre-set timelines. The bill focuses solely on stopping this specific mechanism, with no other policy changes described.
This bill requires lenders, sellers, or other secured parties to deliver a vehicle title (certificate of ownership) to the buyer via certified mail with return receipt after a loan or security agreement is paid off. It mandates that the secured party must send the title within 15 days of the obligation being satisfied and file proof of this with the state motor vehicle authority. The law aims to ensure secure, trackable delivery of vehicle titles - the official proof of ownership - to prevent loss or delay in the transfer process. This applies to all parties holding a title until a debt is fully satisfied.
This bill increases penalties for drivers who fail to secure children in car seats or booster seats. For a first offense, fines rise from $50-$75 to $100, with courts waiving the fine if the driver shows they own a car seat. Second or subsequent offenses carry fines of $250-$500. It also creates a fund where $25 from each fine will be used to buy car seats for distribution programs through New Jersey's Highway Traffic Safety Division.
This bill (S 2755) transfers responsibility for operating, maintaining, and improving the Palisades Interstate Parkway within New Jersey from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT). It applies specifically to the parkway’s portions located in New Jersey, not the entire route. The DOT would assume these duties, though the Commission could still perform work under a written contract with the DOT, which would cover all costs through payments to the Commission. Currently, the Commission handles all operations and maintenance, making this a significant shift in agency responsibility.
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 requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to create a program helping young drivers (likely under 25) obtain commercial driver licenses (CDLs). The program must assist young drivers in getting CDLs, promote awareness of CDL benefits, and connect participants with trucking industry job opportunities. The Commission must report annually on participation numbers, CDL completions, and employment outcomes under the program. It directly affects young drivers seeking CDLs and the commercial trucking industry recruiting new workers. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
S 1168 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to offer discounted fares for five specific groups: K-12 and college students commuting to school, participants in workforce training programs, individuals receiving Work First New Jersey benefits, and newly employed residents meeting strict criteria (earning minimum wage, working 20+ hours weekly, unemployed 30+ days, and not currently on public assistance). The discounts apply to NJT’s regular bus, rail, and light rail services. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage and defines "workforce training" as unpaid apprenticeships or internships. It does not alter existing fare structures for other riders.
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.
S 655 requires New Jersey electric utilities to submit new tariffs for commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval within 180 days of enactment. It directly affects utilities (who must file tariffs) and commercial EV charger operators (who gain protection from certain fees). The bill mandates tariffs must use alternative rate structures without demand charges, ensure cost equity between commercial and residential rates, remain technology-neutral, and encourage investment in EV charging infrastructure. Utilities cannot charge demand or subscription fees on direct current fast charging facilities for 60 days after enactment without BPU-approved tariffs.
