SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1485

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  NOVEMBER 15, 2021

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 1485.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill criminalizes fraudulently pretending to be a transportation network company driver.  Under the amended bill, it is a crime of the fourth degree if a person falsely pretends to be a transportation network company driver for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another.  In addition, if the person knowingly exhibits or displays a falsely purported identifying marker as set forth in section 23 of P.L.2017, c.26 (C.39:5H-23) or some other identification, then it is a crime of the third degree. 

      A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both.  A crime of the third degree carries a penalty of three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

      In addition, the amended bill provides that it is not a crime for a transportation network company driver to provide cash rides.

      As amended and reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 1485 is identical to Assembly Bill No. A745 (1R), which also was reported by the committee on this same date.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

      1)  clarify that it is not a crime under the bill for a transportation network company driver to provide cash rides; and

      2)  make technical corrections.