This bill amends N.J.S.2C:11-5 to increase the penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver is intoxicated and the incident occurs in specific locations, such as highway construction zones or designated safe corridors. Under current law, reckless vehicular homicide is typically classified as a second-degree crime, but it can be elevated to a first-degree crime if the incident occurs in a school crossing or within 1,000 feet of school property while the driver is intoxicated. The new provisions will similarly elevate the crime to a first-degree offense if it occurs in a highway construction area or safe corridor under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The bill also includes specific legal language changes, such as the insertion of new definitions and conditions for reckless vehicular homicide, including the addition of driving through a highway construction area as a factor for increased penalties. Furthermore, it clarifies that the defendant's lack of awareness regarding the proximity to school property or construction zones will not serve as a defense in these cases. The penalties for first-degree crimes include a prison term of 10 to 20 years, while second-degree crimes carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years, and third-degree crimes result in 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.