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A 5221

Relates to providing a state income tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 6 co-sponsors

Requires updating the State Uniform Construction Code to ensure parking structures safely handle higher EV occupancy, including charging infra and remediation for unsafe facilities

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5221

Summary: Assembly Bill A 5221 (Introduced January 27, 2025)

Note: The text provided for A 5221 concerns updates to the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to address structural impacts from electric vehicle (EV) occupancy in parking structures. The bill’s title in the provided information mentions a tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, but the introduced language and statements describe parking-structure code requirements. This summary reflects the introduced version’s substantive provisions.

Purpose and Intent

  • To review and amend the State Uniform Construction Code to address the increased structural loads associated with greater EV occupancy in parking structures.
  • Applies to both new and existing parking structures to ensure safety and adequacy of load-bearing capacity and related electrical charging infrastructure.

Key Provisions

A. New Parking Structures

The Commissioner of Community Affairs must study, develop, and implement UCC requirements that include, but are not limited to:
1. Requirements for the increased weight associated with electric vehicles.
2. New installation codes for electric vehicle charging equipment.
3. Distribution of EV parking spaces within the structure to reduce load intensity.
4. Analysis of common parking structure construction types to determine whether they can withstand higher EV-related loads.
5. A minimum requirement that at least 10% of parking spaces in new structures be designated for EV parking.

B. Existing Parking Structures

The Commissioner must study, develop, and implement UCC requirements that include, but are not limited to:
1. A review of current parking structure load requirements.
2. A process for monitoring, measuring, and documenting performance with increased EV occupancy.
3. Publishing detailed example analyses and model strengthening projects for assessment and upgrade.
4. Requirements for owners of structures deemed unsound or structurally deficient due to higher EV occupancy to create a remediation plan, including a timeline to come into compliance within 90 days of notice. If noncompliant, the department may close the parking structure until compliance is achieved.

C. Rulemaking Authority

  • The Commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations as necessary under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the bill’s provisions.

D. Effective Date

  • The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after enactment.
  • The Commissioner may take anticipatory action to effectuate the bill’s provisions prior to that date.

Administration and Enforcement

  • The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is tasked with implementing and enforcing the UCC amendments.
  • Noncompliant structures deemed unsafe or unsound due to increased EV occupancy may be closed until remediation is completed.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Owners and operators of both new and existing parking structures in New Jersey.
  • Developers and designers responsible for EV charger installation and EV parking layout.
  • Local building inspectors and code enforcement officials implementing the UCC provisions.

Timeline and Legislative Process

  • Introduced in the Assembly on January 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Assembly Transportation Committee (status shown as “REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION” with dates in February 2025).
  • Related bills include companion or prior-session items (e.g., S 4062, S 298; A 7655, A 6310).

Sponsors

  • Primary: Chris Tague
  • Other sponsors: Robert Smullen (cosponsor), Joe DeStefano (cosponsor), Brian D. Miller (cosponsor), Philip Palmesano (cosponsor), Mary Beth Walsh (cosponsor), Stephen Hawley (cosponsor)

Related/Companion Legislation

  • S 4062 (companion)
  • S 298 (companion)
  • A 7655 and A 6310 (prior-session counterparts)

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Safety and resilience: Aims to prevent structural failure or unsafe conditions due to higher EV loads and charger infrastructure.
  • Costs and planning: May increase construction and retrofit costs for new and existing structures; could influence project timelines and financing.
  • EV infrastructure: Encourages thoughtful distribution of EV parking and standardized charging installation codes.
  • Regulatory burden: Requires rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act, with a formal process for remediation and potential temporary closures of noncompliant facilities.

This summary reflects the introduced provisions as described in the bill text provided. The bill is subject to amendments during committee and floor actions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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