"Vehicle Choice Protection Act"; prohibits State agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that restrict or prohibit sale, registration, or use of new internal combustion vehicles in State.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 1 co-sponsor

Protects the sale, registration, and use of new internal combustion engine vehicles by barring state agencies from enacting rules that restrict ICE vehicle availability in New Jers

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee

Summary of Bill: A 5130 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Purpose and intent

The bill is titled the Vehicle Choice Protection Act.

Its central aim is to prevent State agencies from adopting rules, regulations, or policies that restrict or prohibit the sale, registration, or use of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles within the State.

By prohibiting these targeted restrictions, the bill seeks to maintain or expand consumer choice regarding vehicle powertrains and to limit regulatory barriers to ICE vehicle ownership and operation in New Jersey.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition on agency actions: The bill would bar State agencies from adopting any rules, regulations, or policies that would restrict or prohibit the sale, registration, or use of new ICE vehicles in New Jersey.

Scope of coverage: The restriction would apply to rules, regulations, or policies issued by State agencies. The measure is framed to protect the continued availability and use of new ICE vehicles rather than just preventing outright bans.

Interpretation and enforcement: The bill would establish that, to the extent any agency action could be construed as restricting ICE vehicle sale, registration, or use, it would be impermissible under the act. It may include enforcement mechanisms or procedures as provided by the bill (exact enforcement language would be in the text).

Who/what is affected

State agencies: Directly constrained by the prohibition on implementing restrictions related to ICE vehicles.

Consumers and vehicle market: Indirectly affected through continued availability, sale, registration, and use of new ICE vehicles within New Jersey.

Manufacturers and dealers: Likely affected insofar as ICE vehicle sales and registrations remain possible without state-imposed prohibitions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Sponsor information:

Co-sponsors: Dawn Fantasia and Bob Auth.

As introduced: The bill’s status would depend on its progression through the New Jersey Legislature (e.g., committee referrals, floor votes, and potential enactment into law). The summary does not provide specific deadlines or timelines; those would be determined by the legislative calendar and committee actions.

Potential interplay with existing environmental or transportation policies: The bill may be positioned in tension with other state initiatives aiming to phase out ICE vehicles or promote electrification; its passage would clarify legislative intent regarding ICE vehicle rights versus regulatory climate objectives.

Practical implications and considerations

If enacted, the bill would provide statutory protection for the sale, registration, and use of new ICE vehicles against certain State regulatory actions.

It could constrain future regulatory efforts aimed at reducing ICE vehicle use or advancing decarbonization through regulatory means.

Stakeholders to watch include state environmental agencies, transportation authorities, automakers, and consumer advocacy groups, who may have competing interests regarding vehicle technology and emissions goals.

Note: This summary reflects the information provided about the bill’s title, purpose, and stated provisions. For a complete understanding, the full text of A 5130 and any amendments, committee reports, and fiscal notes should be consulted.