New Jersey Senate Bill S3183

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/6/22
• Refer: 10/6/22
• Report Pass: 11/7/22
• Refer: 11/7/22

Caption

Waives certain commercial driver license fees for veterans and spouses of veterans.

Impact

If enacted, S3183 would directly affect the statutes governing the fees associated with obtaining a commercial driver license in New Jersey, as outlined in P.L.1990, c.103. The bill stipulates that veterans and their spouses will not be charged transfer or licensing fees when shifting their commercial driver license from another state, significantly lowering the barriers to entry into the commercial driving sector for this demographic. This legislative change could promote employment opportunities for veterans, who often face unique challenges when reintegrating into civilian life.

Summary

S3183, introduced by Senator Richard J. Codey, aims to waive certain fees related to commercial driver licenses for veterans and their spouses in New Jersey. The bill proposes to amend existing legislation regarding commercial driver licenses, specifically addressing financial charges typically incurred during the application process. By alleviating these costs, S3183 seeks to ease the transition for veterans entering civilian life, particularly those who require commercial licenses for employment in transportation or related fields.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around S3183 appears to be positive, particularly among veteran advocacy groups and members of the legislature who emphasize the importance of supporting those who have served. By removing financial hurdles associated with obtaining a commercial driver license, the bill is seen as a step forward in recognizing the sacrifices of veterans. Opponents may argue about the implications of waiving fees and the potential impact on state revenue, but these concerns seem to be outweighed by the bill's intent to support veterans.

Contention

While the bill garners support for its goals, discussions might arise regarding the broader implications of waiving fees on state revenue sources and whether similar exemptions should apply to other categories of applicants for driver licenses. Furthermore, there may be a consideration of how to ensure that the criteria for defining 'veteran' and 'veteran's spouse' are consistently applied across all relevant provisions. Therefore, while S3183 has clear benefits, it also raises questions about fairness and revenue that will likely require careful legislative discussion.