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New JerseyS3818221st Legislature (2026-2027)Senate

Authorizes creation of Borinqueneers license plates.

Sponsored By: Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (Democratic), Yvonne Lopez (Democratic), Carmen Theresa Morales (Democratic), Annette Quijano (Democratic), M. Teresa Ruiz (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Private funding required before plates launch

The Motor Vehicle Commission cannot use public money for the Borinqueneers plate program’s startup costs. A person or group chosen by the Department of Veterans Affairs must supply private startup money. The commission sets that amount, capped at $25,000. Before design, production, publicity, issuance, or programming begins, the department’s liaison must submit at least 500 completed applications. The initial order must include payment equal to the number of plate sets times the required initial per-set fee. Private donations can cover startup costs; leftover money goes into the plate fund. The law takes effect immediately, but the program becomes operative on the first day of the 13th month after both startup requirements are met. The act expires unless those requirements are met by the last day of the 12th month after enactment.

Borinqueneers plate fees support Army veterans

The law authorizes Borinqueneers plates for vehicles owned or leased and registered in New Jersey. The plates honor the United States Army’s 65th Infantry Regiment and display “The Borinqueneers.” Applicants pay $50, then $10 annually after the year of issuance, on top of normal registration fees. The Motor Vehicle Commission recovers its costs first; reimbursement for computer programming is capped at $150,000. Remaining fees go into a dedicated fund that keeps unspent money and investment earnings. Fund money goes annually to the Department of Veterans Affairs for programs helping United States Army veterans. The commission must certify average plate costs annually, with approval from the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. It may stop issuing plates when that average exceeds $50 for two consecutive fiscal years.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yvonne Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Carmen Theresa Morales

    Democratic • House

  • Annette Quijano

    Democratic • House

  • M. Teresa Ruiz

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 236 • No: 2

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 118 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 78 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor — P.L.2026, c.91.

    9/23/2026Governor

  2. Passed Assembly, PBH — (78-1-0)

    6/30/2026House

  3. Substituted for A5114

    6/30/2026House

  4. Received in Assembly, Without Reference, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/30/2026House

  5. Passed Senate — (40-0)

    6/30/2026Senate

  6. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/24/2026Senate

  7. Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

    5/11/2026Senate

  8. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    5/11/2026Senate

  9. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Transportation Committee

    3/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • As Introduced

    7/1/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Budget and Appropriations Substitute (6/24/26)

    6/25/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • 6/23/26; as introduced

    6/23/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Transportation Substitute (5/11/26)

    5/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

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