Criminal Justice

passed · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 1279: Creates "Youth Detention Task Force."

S 1279 establishes a 25-member "Youth Detention Task Force" to assess New Jersey's current youth detention system and recommend a better approach. The task force will evaluate existing county facilities, Youth Justice Commission-managed sites, or alternatives, considering factors like safety, rehabilitation opportunities, resources, and security. It includes legislative members, state agency heads (like the Attorney General and Youth Justice Commission Director), and public representatives from counties with and without detention facilities. The task force must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of its first meeting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates task force to evaluate youth detention system with focus on rehabilitation opportunities and safety, directly advancing criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 3884: Requires expedited risk assessment and community notification for certain registered sex offenders who move to this State from another jurisdiction.*

This bill establishes faster notification procedures for sex offenders moving to New Jersey from other states. It requires individuals already registered as sex offenders in another jurisdiction to register in New Jersey if they enroll in state educational institutions or work in the state for more than 14 consecutive days or over 30 days in a calendar year. The legislation defines specific sex offenses that trigger registration requirements and sets a 120-day deadline for new registrants to complete the process. Failure to register as required would result in a third-degree criminal charge.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens sex offender registration requirements, enhancing public safety and law enforcement oversight of offenders moving to the state.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1288: Concerns "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program."

This bill establishes a three-year "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program" in New Jersey, administered by the Attorney General through the Division of Violence and Victim Assistance. The program offers voluntary, trauma-informed restorative justice services to survivors of sexual violence (including those who haven’t reported to police), allowing them to participate in healing-focused processes like facilitated conferences or sharing circles. Key provisions include strict confidentiality protections for all communications (preventing use in court proceedings unless waived), removal of requirements to serve only specific counties (expanding statewide access), and a requirement for the Attorney General to evaluate the program and recommend next steps after completion. It directly affects survivors and accused individuals who choose to participate, with no mandatory involvement for either party.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes restorative justice program for sexual violence survivors, promoting victim-centered reform and aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like trauma-informed approaches.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1291: Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal identifying information of victim support advocates and victim support care providers.

This bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect victim support advocates and victim support care providers by prohibiting the online disclosure of their home addresses and unpublished phone numbers. It creates a process where authorized representatives (like family members or legal agents) can request removal of this personal information from the internet. Violating this prohibition could result in criminal charges, ranging from a fourth-degree crime for reckless disclosure to a third-degree crime for intentional violations. The law directly affects professionals working with crime victims who face safety risks from public exposure of their personal contact details.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim support privacy protections under Daniel's Law, enhancing safety for advocates within criminal justice system, aligning with civil rights protection.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits online disclosure of personal info for victim support providers, strengthening data privacy protections in digital spaces.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 25, 2026

A 4071: Codifies AG directive, "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities."

This bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits immigration-status-based stops/detentions and restricts sharing data with ICE, directly protecting civil rights and building trust in law enforcement under criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state law enforcement from detaining based on immigration status or sharing personal data with federal authorities, directly protecting immigrant communities per AG directive.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · New Jersey · Senate Mar 25, 2026

S 3114: Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.

New Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires officers to identify themselves during detentions, enhancing police accountability and protecting civil rights during law enforcement interactions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 3521: Codifies AG directive, "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities."

This bill (S 3521) codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It prohibits state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers from stopping, questioning, arresting, or detaining individuals based solely on immigration status or federal immigration violations. The law also bans officers from asking about immigration status (except when directly relevant to investigating a specific crime) or sharing personal data like Social Security numbers, license details, or addresses with federal immigration authorities for enforcement purposes. The bill explicitly affirms that law enforcement must focus on state criminal law enforcement, not federal immigration enforcement, to maintain community trust and public safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits immigration-based stops/arrests, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability in law enforcement practices.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits law enforcement from targeting individuals based on immigration status, aligning with immigrant protection policies and limiting state cooperation with federal enforcement.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3684: Makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.

This bill (S 3684) updates New Jersey's Crime Victims' Bill of Rights to clarify and strengthen protections for individuals impacted by crime. Key changes include adding a new right for victims to communicate with prosecutors about plea negotiations *before* such discussions begin (Section 3, point o), and ensuring victims aren't charged fees for accessing their own case records (Section 3, points 42-47). It directly affects crime victims navigating the state's criminal justice system, ensuring they receive clearer information, greater input during plea processes, and no financial barriers to accessing their case documents. The revisions refine existing protections without creating new rights, focusing on practical improvements to victim support.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protections by enabling pre-plea communication with prosecutors and eliminating fees for case records access, advancing victim rights in criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 1294: Permits exception to VCCO compensation reporting requirement for unreported sexual offenses if victim received certain forensic medical services.

S 1294 amends New Jersey's crime compensation law to allow victims of certain sexual offenses to qualify for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) without having reported the crime to police. Specifically, it removes the police report requirement for victims who received forensic medical services (like rape exams) through a county sexual assault response team within nine months of the offense - covering aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, or related crimes. This directly affects victims who chose not to report to law enforcement but sought medical care through designated response teams. The change ensures these victims can access compensation for medical, counseling, or other eligible expenses without needing a police report. The bill does not alter other eligibility rules, such as the five-year filing limit or the $25,000 compensation cap.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes police report requirement for sexual assault victims to access compensation, expanding victim support and aligning with criminal justice reform to protect rights and improve access to services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes police report barrier for victims receiving forensic medical services (rape exams), improving access to healthcare services and enabling compensation for medical costs related to sexual assault.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 1227: Establishes Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program; appropriates $3 million.

This bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $3 million to fund confidential mental health services. It directly affects law enforcement officers and their family members (defined as spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents living in the same household) experiencing mental health crises or suicidal distress. The program awards grants to licensed mental health providers who meet geographic criteria to ensure services are accessible within a one-hour travel distance. The Commissioner of Human Services will manage applications, select providers, and publish a list of approved services online, aiming to reduce stigma and improve access to care.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds confidential mental health services for law enforcement officers and families, addressing officer well-being and crisis prevention within criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds confidential mental health services for law enforcement officers and families via $3M grant program, directly expanding access to mental health care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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