Students and school officials urge committee to pass S1835 to reinvest pedestrian‑safety fines locally

The Senate Transportation Committee amended and released Senate Bill S1835, which reallocates fines collected under Antoine’s law to the local municipality for pedestrian safety and law enforcement purposes.

Jim Flynn, assistant superintendent and school safety specialist for the Burlington City School District, testified that Route 130 runs through his walking school district and is one of New Jersey's most dangerous roads for pedestrians. "S1835 will allow the Burlington City Police Department to have the necessary resources to intentionally focus on Route 130 in our school zone," Flynn said, describing the need for enforcement, visibility and pacing traffic.

Student witnesses joined the testimony. Ami Saha, vice president of the Burlington City chapter of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation Youth Advisory Board, urged targeted enforcement and said the bill would help ensure drivers follow posted speed limits. Subeda Isma, president of the youth advisory board, recounted recent tragedies — including the death of a crossing guard and the killing of Antoine Timbers Jr. — and said reinvested fines could fund crosswalks, clearer signs, traffic calming and enforcement.

Committee members praised the youth testimony, discussed statewide pedestrian safety and adopted an amendment that revises the bill’s effective date to take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment while allowing anticipatory administrative steps. The amended bill was then released by roll call.