Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2744: Makes it aggravated sexual assault or sexual contact for transportation network company or taxicab driver to commit act of sexual penetration or sexual contact using coercion or without permission on passenger.

This bill amends New Jersey law to specifically classify sexual penetration or contact by transportation network company or taxicab drivers against passengers as aggravated sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual contact, respectively. It directly affects drivers of ride-hailing services (like Uber/Lyft) and traditional taxis, and their passengers, when coercion or lack of consent is involved. The key mechanism adds a new subsection (8) to the aggravated sexual assault statute, making such acts a first-degree crime punishable by 25 years to life imprisonment (with 25 years parole-ineligible), while sexual contact under similar circumstances becomes a third-degree crime with 3-5 years imprisonment. The bill focuses solely on defining these acts as aggravated offenses based on the driver-passenger relationship, without altering existing consent standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2309: Strengthens State's assault weapons ban.

This bill (S 2309) amends New Jersey's existing assault weapons ban by updating definitions in state law (N.J.S.2C:39-1). It clarifies terms like "firearm," "destructive device," and "assault weapon" through detailed definitions, including restrictions on features like barrel length and magazine capacity. The bill directly affects firearm owners, dealers, and law enforcement by defining prohibited weapons under current law. As introduced (Jan. 13, 2026), it focuses on refining legal language rather than adding new prohibitions, with no specific new restrictions detailed in the provided text. The bill is pending review by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2933: Restricts genetic testing of newborn and crime victim DNA; permits DNA information to be obtained pursuant to warrant or court order.

This bill requires explicit permission from individuals or their representatives before collecting genetic information from DNA samples, with specific exceptions. It prohibits law enforcement from using crime victims' or witnesses' DNA to investigate unrelated family members - a practice recently reported to cause unintended consequences. Exceptions include newborn screening under existing health programs, paternity testing, DNA databases for criminal investigations, and medical research where identities remain anonymous. The law also mandates healthcare providers to inform patients about how their genetic data will be handled and protected.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 362: Specifies inapplicability of "Fair Chance in Housing Act" to county and municipal landlords.

S 362 clarifies that counties and municipalities directly renting residential units to tenants are excluded from the "Fair Chance in Housing Act." This bill amends the law’s definition of "housing provider" to specifically exclude county and municipal governments that rent housing directly. As a result, these government landlords would no longer be subject to the Act’s requirements regarding criminal record inquiries during rental applications. The bill resolves ongoing disputes about whether the Act applies to public housing providers, leaving the law unchanged for private landlords and housing providers.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights Zoning

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 372: Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to identify methods to prevent human trafficking through online gaming platforms.

This bill requires New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically investigate how human traffickers use online gaming platforms to target victims and develop prevention methods. The commission, a 15-member body including victim advocates and survivors, must research this issue and propose solutions to prevent trafficking through these platforms. This amendment adds a new, explicit duty to the commission's existing responsibilities of evaluating trafficking laws, reviewing victim services, and reporting annually to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 181: Concerns rights of juvenile defendants who elect to be tried as adults.

This bill (S 181) allows juveniles aged 14 or older charged with certain offenses to request, with court approval, to be tried as adults in criminal court instead of juvenile court. It requires a hearing to ensure juveniles understand the differences in sentencing and consequences before making this choice. If approved, the case proceeds under adult sentencing rules, but with a presumption that any custodial sentence is served in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age 21+. The bill also permits a later transfer back to juvenile court with consent if it serves the juvenile's best interests or public safety. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.368.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 290: Grants court discretion to adjust, reduce, or waive certain mandatory legal financial obligations based on ability of defendant to pay.

S 290 allows New Jersey courts to adjust, reduce, or waive criminal defendants' fines, fees, and penalties (known as legal financial obligations) based on their ability to pay, the interests of justice, or if the obligation conflicts with rehabilitation goals. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes who face mandatory financial penalties. Courts must publicly state the specific reasons for any adjustment or waiver on the record. This bill implements a recommendation from the 2023 New Jersey Criminal Sentencing Commission to make these obligations more equitable.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3071: Prohibits issuance and execution of "no-knock" warrant to be executed at residences.

S 3071 prohibits law enforcement from executing "no-knock" warrants at residences in New Jersey. It requires officers to knock, clearly announce their identity and purpose, and wait at least 30 seconds (or longer if reasonable) before entering, unless exigent circumstances exist. This applies to all arrest warrants and search warrants targeting residential properties. The bill directly affects police officers executing warrants at homes by mandating this notification process before entry.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2832: Authorizes creation of local civilian review boards to review police operations and conduct; appropriates $600,000.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities and counties to create civilian review boards to examine police operations and conduct. Municipalities can establish boards via ordinance (with 7+ members appointed by the mayor), while counties may create county-level boards for participating municipalities. The $600,000 appropriation funds board operations, and members must complete training before reviewing officer conduct. Boards cannot recommend disciplinary actions without trained members, and members serve without pay but receive expense reimbursement. The bill directly affects local governments, police departments, and community residents through these oversight mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 365: Establishes criminal liability for property destruction occurring during auto theft and police pursuit for auto theft; requires restitution for damages incurred.

S 365 makes it a crime to cause property damage during auto theft or immediate flight from it, directly affecting individuals committing or involved in such thefts. Damage of $500 or more triggers a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison), while damage under $500 is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months). The bill requires convicted individuals to pay restitution to property owners for repairs or replacement, regardless of whether the damage was caused by the defendant, police during a pursuit, or others. This law applies even if the defendant wasn’t the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Victims' Rights

All criminal justice bills