ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 870

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 28, 2008

      The Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 870.

      As reported, this bill would require all passengers, regardless of where they are seated in a passenger automobile, to wear a seat belt.

      Under current law, all children under the age of 18, the driver, and any front seat passenger of passenger automobiles are required to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt.  However, the current law does not require an adult riding in the rear seat of a passenger automobile to wear a seat belt.      

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2008-2009 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.