This bill limits how correctional facilities in New Jersey can suspend incarcerated people's phone privileges as a disciplinary measure. It requires facilities to allow at least one phone call every two weeks during a suspension, caps suspensions at 90 consecutive days or 180 days total per year, and prohibits suspensions for those in Restorative Housing Units. The bill also bans suspensions within 60 days of release, terminating any existing suspension during that period. These rules directly affect incarcerated individuals in New Jersey state and county correctional facilities.
This bill (S 2887) expands eligibility for New Jersey inmates to participate in residential community release programs (RCRPs). It allows inmates scheduled for release in less than 30 months (previously 18-24 months) to join RCRPs if the Department of Corrections (DOC) deems it appropriate, or inmates with 12-30 months remaining who need substance use disorder treatment. The bill also requires the DOC to report monthly to the Legislature (not just the budget office) on RCRP bed capacity for inmates 30-36 months from release. Additionally, it prohibits returning inmates to correctional facilities solely for medical conditions or pregnancy, and bans punitive measures for medical needs during RCRP participation.
This bill (S 232) reduces the mandatory re-incarceration period for certain "technical" parole violations from 12 to 9 months for adult parolees aged 26 or older. It specifically applies to violations like failing to report to a parole officer (when declared "missing"), not following special parole conditions, or using controlled substances (if the parole board determines addiction exists). The bill maintains the current 3-month adjustment option for the period based on the parolee’s circumstances. This changes existing policy, which previously applied the 9-month standard only to younger parolees (18-25 years old). The policy change directly affects adult parolees who commit these specific non-criminal violations.
New Jersey's S 996 makes it a misdemeanor to trick people into sharing personal details like Social Security numbers, credit card info, or biometric data for identity theft. The bill prohibits soliciting or requesting such information with the intent to steal identities, defraud, or harm others. It uses a broad definition of "personal identifying information" covering names, addresses, account numbers, and unique identifiers like fingerprints. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law directly targets scammers and fraudsters attempting to exploit personal data.
This New Jersey bill (S 3112) prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises during public interactions while performing official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, face shields that don’t hide the face, medical masks with a physician’s written approval, and masks for smoke protection during emergencies. Violating the rule is a disorderly persons offense punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The law applies broadly to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers empowered to enforce laws in New Jersey.
S 1038 makes it a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey to wear a mask with the purpose of hiding your identity while committing another crime or offense, specifically when doing so in public with others who are also masked. It only applies if the person is already charged with the underlying crime and was wearing the mask during its commission. The bill includes key exceptions for Halloween, parades, weather protection, religious head coverings, and medical masks. Violating this law carries a penalty of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and cannot be merged with the underlying crime for sentencing purposes.
S 2203 requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide prenatal and post-partum services to pregnant female inmates under age 60. Upon entry to a correctional facility, all such inmates must be tested for pregnancy, and if confirmed, they would receive mandatory prenatal education, medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and counseling on pregnancy options (including family planning, birth control, and child placement). The bill also mandates ongoing care for those continuing pregnancies, including obstetrical services, maternity clothing, adjusted housing, and reduced work schedules as medically needed. This bill, introduced in January 2026 and pending committee review, directly affects incarcerated pregnant women in New Jersey state facilities.
This bill (S 995) upgrades threats targeting prosecutors, law enforcement officers, or their family members to a second-degree crime under New Jersey law. It directly affects anyone who threatens to kill or cause physical harm to these individuals with the intent to cause immediate fear of harm, including threats against spouses, parents, children, or cohabiting relatives. Key provisions require offenders convicted of this crime to serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole (per the "No Early Release Act"), with penalties including 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000. The bill modifies existing statutes (N.J.S.2C:12-3 and P.L.1997, c.117) to implement these sentencing requirements.
S 213, designated as George Floyd's Law, makes it a first-degree crime for law enforcement officers to knowingly choke another person by pressing on the throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, hindering breathing or blood flow to the brain. This directly affects New Jersey law enforcement officers who use such tactics during arrests. The bill establishes penalties of 10-20 years in prison, a $200,000 fine, or both for violating this provision. It follows New Jersey’s 2020 ban on chokeholds (except in deadly force situations) and references George Floyd’s death, where a Minneapolis officer used a similar restraint.
This bill establishes a process for certain elderly inmates to seek early release based on long-term incarceration and rehabilitation. It allows individuals 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. Courts must then consider factors like public safety, demonstrated rehabilitation, victim input, and reentry planning before potentially modifying sentences. If approved, inmates face a 5-year parole supervision term and must address victim notification requirements during the process.
