ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2163

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: OCTOBER 15, 2026

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2163.

      As reported, this bill expands the kind of establishments that are required to post public awareness signage developed by the Commission on Human Trafficking (commission) to include:  gas stations; staffing agencies; State, county, and municipal law enforcement offices; nail salons; and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices.  The bill also explicitly requires signs to be maintained, in addition to displayed, and requires businesses and establishments to replace signs that are removed or defaced within 10 days of the business or establishment receiving notice of the sign’s removal or defacement.

      Under current law, the commission is required to develop a public awareness sign containing the national, 24-hour toll-free hotline telephone service on human trafficking.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.