FISCAL NOTE TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 137

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JULY 29, 1996

      Assembly Bill No. 137 of 1996 provides that all of the fines collected from persons convicted of violating certain seat belt laws be deposited in the Office of Highway Traffic Safety Child Passenger Restraint System Assistance Fund, administered by the State Treasurer. The fund shall be used by the Office of Highway Traffic Safety to purchase child passenger restraint systems for distribution to organizations that have established lending programs.

      For a period of 24 months following the effective date, and under certain circumstances, the bill provides immunity from civil actions for those who establish an approved lending program. The Director of the Office of Highway Traffic Safety is required to report to the Legislature within 21 months following the bill's effective date on its impact on lending programs.

      The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) states that since the manufacturer of the safety restraint system is not excluded from the liability protection provided to the lending organizations, there would not be any reduction in the number of lawsuits filed for injuries to children confined in such a system while riding in a vehicle. Consequently, the Judiciary would not realize any additional revenues nor incur additional expenses subsequent to enactment of the bill.

      The Office of Legislative Services adds that in a fiscal note prepared for the prior Legislative session the AOC stated that about 4,400 seat belt violations occur each year, generating $92,400 in annual fine revenue. Of this revenue, $34,700 would be shifted form the municipalities, $34,700 from the counties and $23,000 from the State to the Office of Highway Traffic Safety Child Passenger Restraint System Assistance Fund for the purchase and distribution of child passenger restraint systems.

This fiscal note has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67.