Bill
Bill > A5478
NJ A5478
NJ A5478Requires NJTA and SJTA to appear before legislative committees for certain increases; prohibits NJTA and SJTA from increasing certain tolls and charges more than two percent in five-year period.
summary
Introduced
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to appear before the Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee prior to increasing tolls or other charges, as applicable, including any automatic increases. Specifically, the bill requires the NJTA and the SJTA to provide the committees with a detailed explanation of the reasons for the increase, including, but not limited to: (1) the financial need or justification for the increase; (2) the impact of the increase on commuters, businesses, and the general public; (3) how the authority plans to use the revenue generated from the increase; and (4) any alternatives that the authority considered to avoid or minimize the increase. In addition, the bill prohibits the NJTA and the SJTA from implementing an increase in a toll or other charge, as applicable, including an automatic toll increase that exceeds two percent of the current toll rate during any five-year period.
AI Summary
This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to undergo a more transparent and controlled process when considering toll or charge increases. Specifically, before implementing any increase, including automatic increases, the authorities must appear before the Senate and Assembly Transportation Committees and provide a comprehensive explanation of the proposed increase. This explanation must detail the financial justification, potential impact on commuters and businesses, intended use of additional revenue, and alternatives considered to minimize the increase. The bill also places a strict cap on toll and charge increases, limiting them to no more than two percent during any five-year period. An "automatic increase" is defined as a pre-planned periodic toll adjustment that occurs after a specific time has elapsed. Additionally, the authorities must provide a written detailed explanation to the Legislature at least two days before their committee appearance and continue to hold public hearings at least 45 days before any proposed toll change, ensuring greater public oversight and accountability in transportation pricing decisions.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee (on 03/20/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5478 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5478_I1.HTM |
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