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NJ S3121

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Nicholas Scutari

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Allows New Jersey drivers who chose the "limitation on lawsuit" (verbal threshold) auto insurance option to sue for noneconomic damages when injured by a drunk or reckless driver, even without meeting the verbal threshold injury requirements

  • Applies when the at-fault driver is convicted of or pleads guilty to drunk driving (R.S.39:4-50), refusing a breathalyzer test (C.39:4-50.4a), or reckless driving (R.S.39:4-96), including similar violations from other jurisdictions

  • Amends P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-8) governing tort exemptions and noneconomic loss rights under New Jersey automobile insurance law

  • Takes effect immediately and applies to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date

  • Sponsored by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (District 22) and co-sponsored by Senator Bramnick, pre-filed for the 2026 legislative session

Legislative Description

Provides that limitation on lawsuit option does not apply in accidents caused by drunk or reckless drivers.

Commerce

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Commerce1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available