Requires NJTA and SJTA to provide toll discount to veterans.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 2 co-sponsors

NJTA and SJTA must implement a toll discount program for eligible veterans to reduce costs on their toll facilities.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee

Summary of Bill A-5124 (New Jersey, 2022-2026 Session)

Purpose and intent

The bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to provide toll discounts to military veterans. The aim is to offer financial relief to veterans by reducing toll costs on toll facilities operated by these two authorities.

Key provisions and changes

Mandate: NJTA and SJTA must implement a toll discount program specifically for veterans.

Eligibility: The language typically defines who qualifies as a veteran (generally those with an active or honorably discharged status per standard veteran definitions used by state programs). The bill would specify the criteria to receive the discount, including any required verification or documentation.

Discount details: The bill would establish the discount rate (e.g., a percentage off the base toll or a fixed reduced toll). It may also address whether the discount applies to all tolled facilities operated by NJTA and SJTA or only certain bridges, tunnels, or expressways.

Application process: Provisions would outline how eligible veterans enroll or register for the discount (e.g., through a tolling authority portal, ID, or veteran-related documentation).

Administration: The responsible authorities would be required to implement the discount, maintain records, and ensure the discount applies consistently across toll facilities.

Compliance and enforcement: The bill would likely include provisions to monitor compliance and resolve disputes or issues related to eligibility or discount application.

Who is affected

Primary: Veterans who hold eligibility under the defined veteran status and who use NJTA- or SJTA-operated toll facilities.

Secondary: Other toll users may be indirectly affected if toll revenue or discount administration changes lead to adjustments in toll schedules or program administration, though the bill focuses on providing discounts to veterans.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates the bill was introduced on May 18, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

As a committee-referred bill, its progress depends on committee hearings, potential amendments, and subsequent floor votes in the Assembly, followed by consideration in the Senate (if applicable) and potential gubernatorial action.

No specific effective date is stated here; typically, enacted bills include an effective date after passage, which could be upon signing or a designated later date, with implementing regulations or administrative rules to follow.

Potential impacts and considerations

Economic: Veterans could experience reduced commuting costs on NJTA and SJTA facilities, providing ongoing toll savings.

Administrative: NJTA and SJTA would need to set up verification processes and discount administration, including data handling and privacy considerations for veteran status.

Equity and accessibility: If well-targeted, the program could provide meaningful relief to veterans who rely on toll facilities for work, medical visits, or daily travel.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and typical structures for toll-discount programs. For precise discount rates, eligibility criteria, verification methods, and implementation timelines, the final text of the bill as passed or amended would be required.