Criminal Justice (Courts) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2316: Establishes three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The courts will combine domestic violence cases with related family matters (like divorce and child custody) and criminal cases under a single judge to improve victim safety and case efficiency. Judges assigned to these courts must have specialized expertise in domestic violence law, family law, and criminal sentencing. The program will be monitored by the Administrative Office of the Courts, with reports due 12 months after launch and at the program’s conclusion to evaluate effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Judges

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3204: Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain court order prior to use of imaging surveillance device.

This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to obtain a court order before using imaging surveillance devices that can see inside buildings (like through walls using radar or infrared). It directly affects police departments and the residents whose homes or properties might be scanned. To get the court order, law enforcement must submit a written application detailing the target, purpose, location, duration, and proof that other investigative methods were tried and failed or would be too dangerous. The bill aims to prevent warrantless surveillance by mandating judicial oversight for this technology.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4199: Expands rights of crime victims.

This bill (A4199) expands rights for crime victims in New Jersey's criminal justice system. It adds specific protections, including the right to submit written impact statements before charges are filed or plea negotiations begin, and to make in-person statements about the crime's impact during sentencing. Victims gain enhanced notification rights regarding court proceedings, defendant releases, and case updates. The law directly affects individuals who have experienced crime and are participating in criminal cases across New Jersey. These changes amend existing law (P.L.1985, c.249) to strengthen victim participation and support.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3520: Establishes new mitigating factor, reduced sentencing, and resentencing for certain defendants who are victims of abuse.

This bill adds a new sentencing consideration in New Jersey for defendants who were victims of abuse. It allows courts to weigh whether a defendant was subjected to substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse (including domestic violence) that contributed to their crime, applying to most offenses except murder or certain sex offenses requiring registration. The court must consider evidence of the abuse presented during trial or plea proceedings - even if the defendant didn’t raise it as a defense - and may reduce sentences or order resentencing for eligible individuals. This change aims to account for trauma-driven criminal behavior in sentencing decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1718: Provides for rehabilitative release for certain incarcerated persons.

This bill creates a new pathway for certain long-term incarcerated individuals in New Jersey to seek release. It allows inmates who have served at least 20 years (or 30 years for murder convictions) and are age 60 (or 62 for murder) to receive a "Certificate of Eligibility for Rehabilitative Release" from the Corrections Commissioner. The process requires a court hearing where the individual must demonstrate they are not a danger to the community, have engaged in rehabilitation while incarcerated, and that justice warrants release - considering factors like victim input, their crime's severity, and a reentry plan. If approved, the individual receives a modified sentence and five years of parole supervision.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3339: Permits persons participating in Drug Court and other programs to earn credit against amount owed on certain court-imposed financial obligations.

S 3339 allows individuals participating in Drug Court or approved substance use disorder rehabilitation programs to earn credit toward their court-imposed fines and fees. If they pay for the program and successfully complete it, they can apply to the court for a credit equal to the amount paid, which reduces their outstanding fines or other financial obligations. The court must verify successful completion before granting the credit. This change applies to penalties assessed under New Jersey law for certain offenses, providing a direct financial incentive for completing treatment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 614: Establishes "Task Force for Community Based Juvenile Rehabilitation."

Bill A 614 establishes a 17-member "Task Force for Community Based Juvenile Rehabilitation" to study and recommend changes to juvenile court age limits (minimum and maximum ages for prosecution) based on developmental science and other states' practices. The task force must also examine racial disparities in juvenile prosecution and sentencing, and propose solutions to address them. Composed of representatives from law enforcement, courts, social justice organizations, youth justice experts, and community stakeholders, the task force will hold three public hearings across New Jersey and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. This bill creates a review process for potential policy changes but does not alter current juvenile justice laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2307: Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to Judiciary to support expansion of Pretrial Services Program.

This bill adds $500,000 in supplemental funding to New Jersey's Judiciary for the Statewide Pretrial Services Program during fiscal year 2024. It directly affects defendants on pretrial release by enabling the program to increase staffing and improve oversight, including resources for electronic monitoring equipment. The funding addresses recommendations from a 2023 criminal justice report and testimony from prosecutors and court officials about current resource gaps. This is a targeted budget adjustment to support the existing program, which was established under New Jersey's 2017 Criminal Justice Reform Act.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Courts

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 32: Permits evidence of prompt reports of sexual assault or employment discrimination be admissible as hearsay exception.

AJR 32 is a procedural resolution proposing a rule change to New Jersey's evidence rules. It would allow evidence that a victim promptly reported sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as a hearsay exception, specifically to address jury assumptions about delayed reporting. This change directly affects cases involving these crimes by enabling courts to consider timely complaint evidence without requiring the victim to testify about the report itself. The resolution, if adopted, would be implemented by the New Jersey Supreme Court under existing procedures, not by creating new law. It focuses on clarifying admissibility for factual evidence, not altering legal standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Violent Crime Employment Discrimination

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3542: Establishes a Gun Court Pilot Program in Mercer County.

S 3542 establishes a three-year Gun Court Pilot Program in Mercer County's Superior Court to handle cases where guns or dangerous weapons were used in violent crimes. The program would assign specialized judges with expertise in criminal law and sentencing for violent offenses, and refer eligible cases to this dedicated court. The Administrative Office of the Courts would administer the program and monitor its impact on sentencing, court workload, and effectiveness, reporting to the Legislature 12 months after launch and six months after the pilot ends. The program is limited to Mercer County and requires a recommendation for potential expansion to other counties after evaluation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Sentencing

All criminal justice bills