ACR 13 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Proposes constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty under certain circumstances.

ACR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty in New Jersey for specific murder convictions, reversing a 2007 law that abolished it. The amendment requires the legislature to create new laws specifying that death sentences can only be imposed if a jury or judge finds "no doubt" that aggravating circumstances outweigh mitigating factors, and if no juror or judge has lingering doubt. It also sets strict deadlines: the New Jersey Supreme Court must issue death penalty appeal rulings within 150 days, and final appeals must be filed within one year after U.S. Supreme Court decisions. This would directly affect individuals convicted of certain intentional murders, altering both the legal standard for sentencing and the timeline for appeals.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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