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NJ S3343
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/5/2026
Primary Sponsor
Shirley Turner
Click for details
AI Summary
- Expands the definition of "school bus" under New Jersey's school zone drug laws to include buses owned and operated by boards of education as well as those owned and operated by private contractors
- Applies upgraded criminal penalties for drug distribution and possession offenses committed on school buses used to transport students to and from school or school-related activities such as field trips, athletic events, and other school-sanctioned events
- Drug distribution on school property or within 1,000 feet of schools or school buses is a third-degree crime with mandatory minimum parole ineligibility of 1-3 years depending on the substance, and fines up to $150,000
- Drug possession offenses on or near school property or school buses require a minimum of 100 hours of community service if no imprisonment is imposed
- Sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner following an incident where a Hamilton school bus driver was arrested for smoking marijuana while driving students on a field trip
Legislative Description
Clarifies that school bus for purpose of upgraded penalties in "school zone" criminal drug laws includes any bus owned and operated by board of education or by private contractor.
Law and Public Safety
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
2/5/2026
Committee Referrals
Law and Public Safety2/5/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available