Bill
Bill > S3127
NJ S3127
NJ S3127Requires DOC to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits inmate to enter into payment plan upon release from incarceration.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits the inmate to enter into a payment plan for these fines or penalties upon release from incarceration. Under current law, the DOC is required to notify every inmate at the time of his or her release of all outstanding fines, assessments, and restitution charges ordered as part of that inmate's sentence and any outstanding warrants or detainers. In addition, an inmate is provided a 90-day grace period after release during which he or she does not have to pay these fines, assessments, and charges. An arrest warrant is not to be issued for their nonpayment during this period. However, current law specifies that the inmate is responsible for the fines, assessments, and charges. This bill requires the DOC to also notify the inmate, upon release, of all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws (Title 39 of the Revised Statutes) which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. The bill also clarifies that the list of outstanding warrants and detainers that the inmate is to receive includes those issued by a municipal court. The 90-day grace period provided under current law would also apply to fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws. Under the bill, after the 90-day period, an inmate is to be permitted to enter into a reasonable payment plan for all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle or traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. Finally, an inmate would still be responsible for paying any outstanding fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws; however, under the bill, no additional penalties are to be imposed while the inmate is incarcerated on any fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to inform inmates upon their release about any outstanding fines or penalties related to motor vehicle and traffic law violations, specifically those found in Title 39 of the Revised Statutes, that existed before their incarceration. This is in addition to the current requirement of notifying inmates about fines, assessments, and restitution ordered as part of their sentence, as well as any outstanding warrants or detainers, including those from municipal courts. Similar to existing provisions for other fines, inmates will have a 90-day grace period after release during which they are not required to pay these motor vehicle fines and no arrest warrants will be issued for non-payment. After this 90-day period, inmates will be allowed to set up a reasonable payment plan for these outstanding motor vehicle fines. While inmates remain responsible for paying all these debts, the bill clarifies that no additional penalties will be imposed for motor vehicle fines outstanding at the time of incarceration while the inmate is serving their sentence.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S3127 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3127_I1.HTM |
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