New Jersey Senate Bill S2334

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/22
• Refer: 3/21/22
• Report Pass: 10/6/22

Caption

Clarifies disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients are not required to own vehicle to be exempt from municipal parking meter fees.

Impact

This change significantly enhances accessibility for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, allowing them to benefit from parking exemptions without the limitation of vehicle ownership. As municipal parking fees can add an additional financial burden, especially for those who may not own a vehicle but still need accommodations, this bill aims to ease such concerns. It is expected that there will be positive administrative implications for local governments in how they manage and enforce these exemptions, promoting inclusion and support for those who have served in the military.

Summary

Senate Bill S2334 addresses the requirements for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients concerning municipal parking meter fees. The bill clarifies that these individuals are not mandated to own the vehicle they are parking in order to be exempt from municipal parking meter fees. Previously, existing legislation stipulated that to qualify for the exemption, the vehicle had to be owned by the disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient. This bill seeks to broaden the eligibility for such exemptions to include leased vehicles as long as the appropriate placards are displayed, and the disabled individual is the driver or passenger in the vehicle.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, it has raised discussions regarding the administrative responsibilities it places on the Motor Vehicle Commission in terms of issuing and managing the necessary placards. There are potential concerns about enforcement and whether confusion may arise regarding who can legally park in exempted spaces. Nonetheless, major support exists among lawmakers, particularly in the context of honoring and supporting veterans, which diminishes resistance against the proposed adjustments.