New Jersey Senate Bill S2755

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/24
• Refer: 2/15/24

Caption

Requires NJTA and SJTA to waive E-ZPass tolls for disabled veteran owned businesses.

Impact

The proposed legislation would exempt toll fees for vehicles that are owned or leased by disabled veterans if they are used for businesses that meet certain criteria, including having a minimum revenue threshold of $2,500. This initiative is designed to alleviate some financial burdens on disabled veterans who own businesses, thereby encouraging entrepreneurship and economic activity within this demographic. Additionally, it may promote higher utilization of the NJ E-ZPass system among disabled veteran-operated businesses, enhancing administrative efficiencies for toll collection.

Summary

Bill S2755 aims to establish a program that allows for the waiver of electronic toll collection fees for qualified disabled veteran-owned businesses in New Jersey. Sponsored by Senator Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez, the bill specifically mandates the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to create and maintain this toll waiver program. This program would benefit those businesses owned and controlled by disabled veterans, permitting them to operate with reduced toll costs, thereby supporting their financial sustainability and economic growth.

Contention

While the bill is likely to be well-received by advocates for disabled veterans, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implications for funding of state transportation authorities, as waiving tolls could impact revenue streams necessary for infrastructure maintenance. Concerns could also be raised about whether the criteria for qualifying as a disabled veteran-owned business adequately encompass all veterans who might be in need, as well as discussions about the long-term sustainability of such waiver programs amidst varying economic conditions.