Creates offense of making false child abuse report; permits assessment of penalty.

S 2115 makes knowingly false reports of child abuse a criminal offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. It also imposes a separate civil penalty of up to $10,000 for such false reports, with funds going to New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally file false reports, not victims or legitimate reporters. Introduced in January 2024 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, it has not yet become law.