New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S478: Child's guardian killed by drunk driver-req court to order financial support
Status: In committee, October 15, 2026
Requires court to order financial support for child if child's parent or guardian is killed by drunk driver.
What the bill says
An Act concerning vehicular homicide 1[and] [ADDED: ,] 1 amending 1[and supplementing]1 N.J.S.2C:11-5 1 [ADDED: , and supplementing chapter 11 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes] 1.
From the amended text, October 15, 2026:
An Act concerning vehicular homicide 1[and] [ADDED: ,] 1 amending 1[and supplementing]1 N.J.S.2C:11-5 1 [ADDED: , and supplementing chapter 11 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes] 1. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. N.J.S.2C:11-5 is amended to read as follows: 2C:11-5. Death by auto or vessel. a. Criminal homicide constitutes reckless vehicular homicide when it is caused by driving a vehicle or vessel recklessly. Proof that the defendant fell asleep while driving or was driving after having been without sleep for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours may give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. Proof that the defendant was driving while intoxicated in violation of R.S.39:4-50 or was operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs in violation of section 3 of P.L.1952, c.157 (C.12:7-46) shall give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. Proof that the defendant was operating a hand-held wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle in violation of section 1 of P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3) may give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. Proof that the defendant failed to maintain a lane in violation of R.S.39:4-88 may give rise to an inference that the defendant was driving recklessly. Nothing …
Sponsors
- Owen Henry (R, 12) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : REF SBA
- : REP/SCA 2RS
- : INT 1RS REF SJU
Votes
- Senate Judiciary Committee: Reported with committee amendments (Sca) (October 15, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: MOTOR VEHICLES - DUI, MOTOR VEHICLES - OFFENSES, CHILDREN
Common questions
- What is S478?
- S478 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Child's guardian killed by drunk driver-req court to order financial support.
- What does S478 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning vehicular homicide 1[and] [ADDED: ,] 1 amending 1[and supplementing]1 N.J.S.2C:11-5 1 [ADDED: , and supplementing chapter 11 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes] 1.
- What is the status of S478?
- In committee as of October 15, 2026. Latest action: REF SBA (October 15, 2026).
- Who sponsored S478?
- Owen Henry (R, 12).
- Where is the official record for S478?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S478
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.