Kyleigh’s Law: N.J. Teen Driving Decals Causing Tension In Trenton

Differing views over the worthiness of the new teen driving decals law turned ugly Thursday when Assemblyman Bob Schroeder (R-Bergen) criticized Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) for ignoring his request to consider repealing measure he thinks is dangerous to teen drivers. In response, Wisniewski, chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, declared, “It’s amazing how fast Assemblyman Schroeder has shown himself to be an ineffective legislator.”

“People throughout New Jersey have legitimate concerns that these red stickers are targeting our teens for criminal predators,” Schroeder said. “The decals are dangerous, discriminatory and should be taken off license plates immediately. Unfortunately, Chairman Wisniewski refuses to listen to the tremendous outcry from the public and legislators representing both political parties.” 

Schroeder is the prime sponsor of A-2650, which would immediately repeal the red sticker requirement for teenage drivers. It is one of several anti-decal bills awaiting release from committee, and the only Assembly measure that has secured bipartisan support.

Schroeder argues there is still time for Wisniewski to add the bill to the committee’s Monday or next Thursday’s agendas.

Repeated requests for Chairman Wisniewski to do the right thing and address this public safety concern continue to be ignored,” Schroeder said. “I’ve heard from constituents whose emails to his office have gone unanswered. The time has come for Speaker Sheila Oliver to be a voice of reason, and schedule this committee to meet again on June 17 so that this important public policy issue can be corrected this month.”

Wisniewski responded, “He (Schroeder) is unable to build a consensus nor understand the issues and is way too interested in self-glorifying press releases than he is on solving problems. As a matter of fact, we serve on a the same committee together and he didn’t even have the courage to mention this to me today. It’s a shame that he is more obsessed with building hysteria than protecting teen drivers.

Wisniewski continued, “If he was truly interested in public policy, then he would understand that the teen driver laws were the result of intensive bipartisan study and embraced in a bipartisan fashion, including by Republican leaders. As the father of three daughters — and a teen driver — I view these bills as protecting my children, as well as every other teen driver. I sincerely hope Assemblyman Schroeder learns that panic-stricken press releases do not make for effective legislation.”

Schroeder said that municipalities have begun passing resolutions in support of A-2650, asking the Legislature to repeal the decals as soon as possible. He also pointed to several similar decal repeal bills filed in addition to his A-2650, sponsored by members of both parties in both the Senate and Assembly.

“This is clearly an issue that cuts across political affiliation,” Schroeder said, “but Chairman Wisniewski refuses to post legislation that would immediately take our youth out of harm’s way. It is a matter of legitimate public concern that requires leaders to be proactive. A ‘wait and see’ approach only endangers young drivers and keeps them at risk. Must we wait until a tragedy occurs to address the concerns of our citizens?” Newjerseynewsroom.