ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4740

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4740 (1R).

      As reported, this bill, which is designated as the “Safe Commercial Routes Act – Commercial Driver Human Trafficking Awareness Training,” requires individuals applying for a commercial driver license (CDL) and individuals renewing a CDL to complete a training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities (training course).

     Specifically, the bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (chief administrator), in consultation with the Commission on Human Trafficking, to develop and approve a training course on recognizing and reporting suspected human trafficking activities for any individual applying for a CDL.  Two years after the bill’s effective date, the training course requirement will also apply to an individual renewing the individual’s CDL.

     Under the bill, the training course is to be no longer than 30 minutes and may be completed through various methods, as outlined in the bill.  The training course may include or be based on materials developed by nationally-recognized organizations with demonstrated experience providing anti-human trafficking course offerings to drivers of commercial motor vehicles.  The bill requires the chief administrator to maintain a list of approved training providers and to make free training materials available on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s (commission) Internet website.  The bill authorizes the chief administrator to partner with private-sector stakeholders to facilitate the delivery of the training course.

     The bill also requires verifiable completion of the training course to be submitted electronically to the commission prior to the issuance of a CDL in addition to any other licensure requirements or, when applicable, prior to the issuance of a renewal of a CDL.  Completion of the training course is required before a CDL can be issued.  However, the bill clarifies that completion of the training course is not to affect an applicant’s ability to schedule appointments, submit an application, and take required examinations.

     In addition, the bill provides that an individual who has completed the training course and reports, in good faith, suspected human trafficking activity is not to be held civilly or criminally liable for any such report.

     Finally, the bill authorizes the chief administrator to develop and make available resource materials, such as wallet cards or digital resources, with certain information included for individuals who are applying for or who have a CDL.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) concludes that the bill may result in an indeterminate increase in State expenditures incurred by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to develop and administer a human trafficking awareness training requirement for persons either applying for or renewing a commercial driver’s license.

      The OLS anticipates that the commission would likely incur one-time costs to develop or approve the required curriculum, consult with the Commission on Human Trafficking and outside stakeholders, and issue a report three years after the bill’s effective date.  Additionally, the commission may incur recurring administrative costs to maintain the training materials and approved provider list, review the course list at least every two years, and continue to monitor compliance as required by the bill. 

      The magnitude of these costs cannot be determined because the bill permits the commission to use materials developed by nationally recognized organizations, partner with private sector stakeholders, and allow the training to be provided through commercial driver license schools and employer-administered training programs.  These provisions may reduce the commission’s costs to implement the provisions of the bill.