S 415 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Expands definition of child abuse or neglect.

This bill expands New Jersey's legal definition of "abused child" to include situations where harm is caused by someone who isn't the child's parent or legal guardian - including another child under 18. It adds specific provisions clarifying that a child is deemed abused if non-parents (including minors) commit acts described in the existing definition, while excluding incidents occurring in day schools. The change directly affects children in these scenarios and ensures caregivers, schools, and institutions must address such harm under the law. It does not alter existing protections for children receiving spiritual treatment or change the core requirements for reporting abuse.
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 in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
upper
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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