Criminal Justice (Corrections)

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

A 397: Creates first degree crime of home invasion, upgrades certain residential burglaries to second degree crime; requires juvenile carjacking and home invasion offenses be tried in county where delinquency occurred.

This bill creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering a residence with intent to commit certain serious offenses (like robbery or violence) when others are present, carrying a mandatory 10-30 year prison sentence. It also upgrades residential burglaries to second-degree crimes when committed with aggravating factors like presence of occupants or weapons. Additionally, the bill requires juveniles accused of home invasion or carjacking to be tried in the county where the incident occurred, rather than their residence county. These changes directly affect individuals committing these offenses and juvenile court proceedings in New Jersey.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates mandatory 10-30 year sentences for home invasion and upgrades burglaries, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Violent Crime

Track

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

A 4282: Increases penalties imposed on juveniles and adults convicted of motor vehicle theft and related crimes.

This bill requires New Jersey juvenile courts to consider the threat to public safety as a factor when sentencing juveniles convicted of motor vehicle theft or related crimes. It removes a previous exception that allowed for more lenient dispositions in these specific cases, meaning juveniles found guilty of such offenses must now face the full range of sentencing options. As a result, juveniles convicted of motor vehicle theft may face harsher penalties, such as incarceration, compared to before the bill. The bill also aims to increase penalties for adults convicted of similar crimes, but the adult provisions are not detailed in the provided text.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves leniency exception for juvenile motor vehicle theft, mandating harsher sentencing including incarceration. Increases penalties aligns with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Sentencing

Track

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

A 3452: Establishes criminal penalties for production, sale, and use of false COVID-19 vaccination verification card; requires AG to establish COVID-19 vaccination fraud prevention program.

This New Jersey bill criminalizes the creation, sale, or use of fake COVID-19 vaccination verification cards. It imposes penalties including up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 fines for selling or making fake cards (second-degree crime), up to 5 years and $15,000 for displaying them (third-degree), and up to 18 months and $10,000 for possessing them (fourth-degree). The Attorney General must establish a fraud prevention program within 30 days, using confidential data from the state's immunization system solely to investigate fake card cases. The program targets individuals and businesses involved in producing or distributing counterfeit cards to falsely claim vaccination status.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offenses (fake vaccine cards) with prison terms/fines, directly increasing criminal penalties per Criminal Justice indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

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

A 221: Provides criminal and civil penalties for predatory marketing of fentanyl to minors.

This bill creates a new criminal offense for marketing fentanyl in ways specifically designed to appeal to minors, targeting manufacturers, distributors, or sellers. It prohibits tactics like packaging resembling candy, food, or popular characters, using minor-targeted advertising, or violating FDA/DEA packaging rules. Violators face a minimum 30-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility, and prior fentanyl distribution convictions create a strong presumption of guilt. The law directly affects businesses or individuals distributing fentanyl with marketing strategies targeting youth, aiming to deter such practices through severe penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offense with mandatory 30-year sentences and expands criminalization, directly increasing penalties per 'oppose' indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole

Track

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

A 864: Classifies xylazine as Schedule III controlled dangerous substance under certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill (A 864) classifies xylazine - a sedative often misused in illicit drug mixtures - as a Schedule III controlled substance under state law, except when used by veterinarians for animal treatment. Schedule III means it has accepted medical use but potential for abuse leading to moderate dependence, subjecting unauthorized use to criminal penalties. Specifically, illegal possession, distribution, or use of xylazine would be a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $35,000, with enhanced penalties near schools or for distributing to minors. The bill directly affects individuals misusing xylazine (including in human drug use) and law enforcement, while exempting veterinary medical use.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeClassifies xylazine as Schedule III controlled substance, imposing third-degree criminal penalties for unauthorized use, expanding criminalization without reform elements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement

Track

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

A 1392: Directs Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation for certain criminal contempt violations.

This bill (A 1392) requires New Jersey's Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer and are charged with contempt for violating specific domestic violence protection orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. It directly affects indigent defendants facing contempt charges related to orders prohibiting contact, threats, or violence, but excludes violations of orders about parenting time, financial payments, counseling, or housing. The law expands existing public defender duties to cover these contempt cases, which could lead to jail time or significant penalties if convicted. This implements a 2023 criminal justice committee recommendation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnsures legal representation for indigent defendants in contempt cases related to domestic violence protection orders, upholding due process and civil rights within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence

Track

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

A 3368: Requires State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to inmate or other party.

This bill requires New Jersey's State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to either the inmate or the recipient. It amends existing law to eliminate all charges, including per-minute fees, surcharges, or account maintenance costs, while still requiring facilities to contract with phone service providers following state procurement rules. The bill specifically prohibits facilities from accepting commissions or imposing additional fees beyond the provider's base rate, ensuring calls remain free for both parties. It applies to all State and private facilities (county facilities are addressed separately in the current law) and includes provisions for international calls at no charge for inmates in these facilities. The policy change directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families by removing financial barriers to communication.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill eliminates inmate communication fees, promoting family connections and rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

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

A 326: "Stolen Vehicle Possession Accountability Act"; increases penalties for adult and juvenile repeat offenses of receiving stolen motor vehicle.

This bill (A 326) increases penalties for repeat offenders who receive stolen vehicles in New Jersey. It makes knowingly possessing a stolen car a second-degree crime if someone has two prior convictions within 15 years (previously dependent on vehicle value), and mandates a minimum parole ineligibility period for adults. For juveniles with two prior offenses, it allows courts to waive them to adult court, imposing up to 10 years in prison. The bill directly affects repeat offenders and aims to strengthen sentencing for vehicle theft crimes. (Note: Bill introduced January 2026, pending committee review.)

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for repeat stolen vehicle offenses, mandates minimum parole ineligibility, and allows juvenile transfer to adult court with longer sentences, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Juvenile Justice

Track

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

A 748: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing qualified ex-offenders.

This bill provides New Jersey businesses with tax credits for hiring qualified ex-offenders. Specifically, it allows a 15% credit against corporation business tax and gross income tax for wages paid to eligible individuals, capped at $900 per employee per year. A "qualified ex-offender" is defined as someone convicted of a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree crime in New Jersey who was hired within one year of conviction or release from incarceration. The credit cannot exceed 50% of the tax liability and may be carried forward if unused in the current year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax credits reducing business tax burden, aligning with tax relief and fiscal policy goals for workforce development.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeTax credits incentivize hiring ex-offenders, reducing recidivism and supporting reentry programs - core criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax credits to incentivize hiring ex-offenders, directly expanding employment opportunities for a marginalized workforce and aligning with labor support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Corrections

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3617: Authorizes State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access certain crime scenes and evidence.

This bill authorizes all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access crime scenes and evidence under their agency's jurisdiction. It prohibits anyone - including federal officers - from blocking officers from these locations, treating such obstruction as a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law requires the Attorney General to issue implementation guidelines and takes effect four months after enactment. It directly affects law enforcement access to evidence during investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes law enforcement access to crime scenes and penalizes obstruction, directly strengthening operational effectiveness within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

Track