Bill > AJR37

Introduced Session

This joint resolution establishes a 21-member "Task Force on Cannabis Related Traffic Fatalities" to study the issue of cannabis related traffic fatalities and examine methods to prevent the incidence of cannabis related traffic fatalities. In addition, the task force is to make recommendations to enhance government services, enforcement, education, and interventions to prevent cannabis related traffic fatalities. The task force is to be comprised of the following 21 members: the Commissioner of Transportation, ex officio, or a designee; Attorney General, ex officio, or a designee; Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, ex officio, or a designee; a researcher from a college or university that engages in the study of issues related to cannabis legalization; Executive Director of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, ex officio, or a designee; the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in the Department of Law and Public Safety, ex officio, or a designee; the Superintendent of State Police, ex officio, or a designee; a representative from the Fraternal Order of Police having expertise on the effects of cannabis on the operation of a motor vehicle; a representative from the Police Benevolent Association; Commissioner of Human Services, ex officio, or a designee; three members of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, to include a member from each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State; a representative from the State Troopers Fraternal Association having expertise on the effects of cannabis on the operation of a motor vehicle; and seven member of the public whom shall have education or experience in highway traffic safety. At a minimum, the task force is to consider the following: (1) the impact of cannabis use on driving ability and traffic safety; (2) motor vehicle crash statistics before and after cannabis legalization; (3) public perception regarding the dangers of driving while under the influence of cannabis, to include the perspectives of a wide range of individuals; (4) reasons why a person would choose to drive under the influence of cannabis; (5) effective strategies to inform the public concerning the danger of driving while under the influence of cannabis; (6) the effectiveness of past public awareness campaigns to reduce incidents of driving while intoxicated; (7) any other pertinent information needed to assure the safety of the public, including persons operating motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The task force is to propose a new public awareness campaign and make recommendations regarding any action that it deems necessary to prevent cannabis related traffic fatalities and driving while under the influence of cannabis. The task force is to organize within nine months of the enactment into law of legislation legalizing recreational use or decriminalizing certain amounts of cannabis. The task force is to report its findings and recommendations, including legislative proposals, to the Governor, and to the Legislature annually for a period of five years beginning no later than 24 months following the organization of the task force. Upon the filing of its final report the task force is to expire.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Carol Murphy (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document