ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4296

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 17, 2022

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4296 with committee amendments.

      As amended and reported, this bill establishes the “New Jersey Vision Zero Commission” (commission).  The commission is to consist of nine members as outlined in the bill.

     The purpose and duties of the commission are to study, examine, and review all aspects of traffic safety with a particular focus on access, equity, and mobility for all road users using the safe system approach and to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the Department of Transportation regarding policies, programs, research, and priorities to help achieve the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.  The commission is required to take the following steps to achieve its purpose and duties:

     (1)   develop an action plan to help achieve the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roadways in the State;

     (2)   identify short-term and long-term data-driven strategies with measurable goals and target dates to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries with the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035;

     (3)   promote effective and transparent collection of traffic safety data and dissemination of such data via a publicly accessible data portal;

     (4)  encourage the elimination of road hazards by advancing active transportation and mass transit as safe and viable forms of transportation;

     (5)  provide recommendations for changes to State, county, and municipal law to achieve the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035;

     (6)  develop an action plan to implement and promote the safe system approach, vision zero strategies, and evidenced-based safety countermeasures to help achieve the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users;

     (7)  create and maintain an interactive Internet website to provide information about the commission;

     (8)  serve as an advisor to the Department of Transportation and other State agencies and transportation authorities with regard to roadway planning and transportation infrastructure planning;

     (9)  provide advice and assistance to county and municipal governments to develop their own vision zero plans; and

     (10)  report annually to the Governor and Legislature on the findings and activities of the commission.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

     The committee amendments:

· rename the commission;

· remove the appointed members of the commission;

· require the commission to consult with policy experts;

· remove a provision requiring the commission to review and provide feedback on certain capital plans; and

· require the Department of Transportation to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.