Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the secretary of state and State Motor Vehicle Commission to share voter and motor vehicle information and become a member of a non-profit state-based organization for the purpose of maintaining the accuracy of voter registration information.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to become a member, on behalf of the State of New Jersey, of a non-profit organization comprised solely of United States territorial governmental units, states, and the District of Columbia to improve the accuracy of voter registration information and increase access to voter registration for eligible individuals (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission from sharing or transmitting documentation or other information (Sec. 2.c):

• Concerning an individual who does not have a social security number or has submitted proof of identity to the commission using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number;

• That indicates that an individual is not a citizen of the United States;

• That is a photo of a person; or

• That includes a person’s social security number beyond the last four digits thereof.

• Requires personal information to be disclosed for use in connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft, motor vehicle emissions, motor vehicle product alterations, recalls, or advisories, performance monitoring of motor vehicles and dealers by motor vehicle manufacturers, maintenance of voter registration information, and removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers (Sec. 3.c).

• Requires the commission to be required to provide that person with a booklet that highlights those motor vehicle laws unique to New Jersey. A road test will be required for a probationary license and serve as a demonstration of the applicant's ability to operate a vehicle of the class designated (Sec. 4.c).

• Requires the commission to issue a standard basic driver's license or a REAL ID basic driver's license to operate a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle to a person over 18 years of age who previously has not been licensed to drive a motor vehicle in this State or another jurisdiction only if that person has (Sec. 4.g):

• Operated a passenger automobile for not less than one year, not including any period of suspension or postponement, from the date of issuance of a probationary license;

• Not been assessed more than 2 motor vehicle points;

• Not been convicted in the previous year, or any other motor vehicle-related violation the commission determines to be significant and applicable according to regulation; and

• Passed an examination of the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle

• Classifies the licensing of drivers through the commission in the following ways (Sec. 4.j):

• Motorcycles;

• Omnibuses and school buses; and

• All motor vehicles not included in classifications.

• Specifies a license will expire, except as otherwise provided, during the fourth calendar year following the date in which the license was issued and on the same calendar day as the person's date of birth. If the person's date of birth does not correspond to a calendar day of the fourth calendar year, the license shall expire on the last day of the person's birth month (Sec. 4.l).

Full Bill Text