Bill > A1074

This bill, known as "Kulesh and Kubert's, and Bolis Law," amends existing New Jersey statutes to classify violations of the hands-free cell phone law as reckless driving when they result in vehicular homicide or assault by auto. Specifically, it adds language to the vehicular homicide statute (N.J.S.2C:11-5) and the assault by auto statute (N.J.S.2C:12-1) to state that proof of operating a hand-held wireless telephone while driving in violation of the hands-free law may lead to an inference that the driver was acting recklessly. This means that if a driver causes death or serious injury while illegally using a hand-held phone, they could be charged with more severe offenses, as recklessness is a key element in these crimes. The bill aims to increase accountability for drivers who cause harm due to distracted driving.