New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S834

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

Impact

If enacted, SB 834 will have a significant impact on the regulation of automobile insurance in New Jersey. By preventing insurers from adjusting rates based on a not-at-fault accident, this bill aims to protect consumers from potential financial repercussions that could arise from incidents they did not cause. Additionally, it will require insurers to revise their underwriting guidelines to comply with the new regulations, as any existing criteria that contradict the bill will no longer be permissible. The implications may lead to broader changes in how insurers assess risk and determine premiums across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 834, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, is aimed at protecting insured individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents from increased insurance rates if they are deemed not at fault. This legislation seeks to amend existing underwriting practices and policies governing automobile insurance by clearly prohibiting insurers from basing risk assignment on the involvement of an insured individual in an accident where they hold no fault. The objective of the bill is to ensure fair treatment of drivers in the context of auto insurance rates, promoting equitable practices in the underwriting process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 834 appears to be largely positive among consumer advocacy groups and individuals who have faced increased insurance costs despite their lack of fault in accidents. Proponents view the bill as a necessary step to safeguard drivers from punitive financial practices by insurance companies. However, there may be concerns from the insurance industry about how these changes might affect their profitability and risk assessments, suggesting a nuanced debate around the bill’s potential consequences.

Contention

Despite the general support for SB 834, there are points of contention. Critics from within the insurance industry may argue that this bill could limit the ability of insurers to accurately assess risk and manage losses. The bill raises questions about the balance between consumer protection and the need for insurance companies to maintain profitable business models. The dialogue around SB 834 incites discussions on regulatory practices and the fairness of underwriting standards in the automobile insurance sector, highlighting the challenges of aligning stakeholder interests.

Companion Bills

NJ A3489

Same As Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S1783

Carry Over Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4577

Carry Over Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S3717

Carry Over Establishes "Workplace Readiness Week" in public schools and requires certain labor rights information be included in employment of minors database.

Previously Filed As

NJ S763

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A737

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A298

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S2397

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4363

Creates "Punishing Rioters and Protecting Communities Act," broadens riot; enhances penalties certain riot-related criminal penalties; creates crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.

NJ S1319

Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.

NJ A2948

Enables imposition of local curfew to help curtail disorderly or riotous conduct.

NJ SB915

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of riot.

NJ SB543

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of masked intimidation; and imposing penalties.

NJ HB5528

Crimes: disorderly conduct; criteria for inciting a riot; clarify. Amends secs. 1 & 2 of 1968 PA 302 (MCL 752.541 & 752.542).

Similar Bills

NJ S834

Prohibits automobile insurers from using underwriting rules to raise automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in motor vehicle accidents.

NJ A1214

Prohibits automobile insurers from using underwriting rules to raise automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in motor vehicle accidents involving municipal vehicles.

NJ A3665

Prohibits use of gap in automobile insurance coverage as rating factor in automobile insurance underwriting under certain circumstances.

NJ A4570

Prohibits automobile insurers from increasing automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in automobile accidents.

NJ S723

Establishes "Car Insurance Reduction Act"; modifies current law addressing requirements of automobile insurers for underwriting rate calculations and reductions, and reporting requirements to State.

NJ A3421

Establishes "Car Insurance Reduction Act"; modifies current law addressing requirements of automobile insurers for underwriting; rate calculations and reductions; and reporting requirements to State.

NJ A1931

Prohibits use of education, occupation, and credit score as rating factors in automobile insurance underwriting.

NJ S2248

Prohibits use of education, occupation, and credit score as rating factors in automobile insurance underwriting.