Garden State Times

The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina aimed at strengthening penalties for vehicular homicide. The legislation, advanced during National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, seeks to enhance deterrents against drunk driving and improve public safety in New Jersey.

Senator Polistina stated, "When someone’s reckless actions behind the wheel result in the loss of a life, they must be held fully accountable. This legislation would help safeguard the citizens of New Jersey by keeping dangerous drivers off our streets."

The proposed bill, S-2295, introduces a presumption that intoxicated drivers should be detained while awaiting trial for vehicular homicide charges. It also mandates license suspension upon conviction and allows for vehicle forfeiture used in committing these crimes.

This legislative move follows the tragic incident involving 8-year-old Javier Velez, who was killed by a drunk driver while on a fishing trip with his father in Atlantic County. The driver was released pending trial, causing distress to Javier's family and community.

Earlier this year, another piece of legislation by Senator Polistina was enacted to honor Ensign John R. Elliott, who died in 2000 due to a collision with an intoxicated driver. Elliott's father highlighted that the driver had been previously arrested but released before causing the fatal accident.

Polistina emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety by stating, “We must ensure that individuals who pose a significant threat to public safety by committing such heinous acts are kept off the streets while awaiting trial, and that justice is served for the victims and their families.”

For further information or interviews with Senator Polistina, Jennifer Collins can be contacted via email.