Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees.
This bill authorizes funding to protect the safety of cooperating witnesses - individuals who testify for the government to help prosecute crimes, including confidential informants. It expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to guarantee these witnesses assistance with psychological and practical challenges of testifying, protective measures before, during, and after trials, and court procedures ensuring their safety. The bill amends existing laws to allow the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to cover relocation and safety expenses, and authorizes the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to provide grants to organizations offering services like emergency shelter, medical advocacy, and safety planning for these witnesses and their families. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases, ensuring they receive concrete support and protection while navigating the justice system.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Jan 2025
General Assembly Passage
Dec 2024
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024
Last action Jan 14, 2025
Floor votes · General Assembly Dec 19, 2024
How they voted
73–0
Passed · 7 other
Total votes 80
Dec 19, 2024
D
Democratic52
88% Yea
R
Republican28
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 14, 2025
Committee
Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
upper
Dec 19, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed Assembly (73-0-0)
lower
Jun 6, 2024
Lower · Passed
Reported out of Assembly Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
lower
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
3 primary · 11 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Anthony Verrelli
DDemocratic
P
Robert Karabinchak
DDemocratic
P
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
DDemocratic
Co
Benjie Wimberly
DDemocratic
Co
Dan Hutchison
DDemocratic
Co
Ellen Park
DDemocratic
Co
Gabe Rodriguez
DDemocratic
Co
Garnet Hall
DDemocratic
Co
Luanne Peterpaul
DDemocratic
Co
Margie Donlon
DDemocratic
Co
Reginald Atkins
DDemocratic
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
Co
Shanique Speight
DDemocratic
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