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.
This bill increases penalties for carjacking and establishes a presumption of pretrial detention for specific offenses. It upgrades carjacking to a first-degree crime with mandatory 10-30 year sentences and a 5-year parole ineligibility period (N.J.S. 2C:15-2). For theft by deception involving a motor vehicle when the victim is a minor, it adds penalties under N.J.S. 2C:20-4 and creates a court presumption requiring pretrial detention if charged with either carjacking or this theft offense. The presumption means courts must assume detention is necessary unless the defendant proves otherwise, applying to cases involving carjacking (per P.L.1993, c.221) or theft from minors.
This bill elevates threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers, or their family members to a second-degree crime (previously third-degree). It directly affects anyone making such threats, including threats against spouses, parents, children, or relatives living with the officer or prosecutor. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act. This means, for example, a 10-year sentence would require at least 8.5 years served before parole consideration. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but mandates stricter parole eligibility for these specific threats.
This New Jersey bill (A3158) creates a new criminal offense called "victimization" for committing any crime listed in Chapters 11-18 of Title 2C (such as assault or theft) against a senior citizen (62+) or a person with a disability. The offense is graded one level higher than the underlying crime (e.g., a fourth-degree crime for a disorderly persons offense) and requires separate sentencing, meaning the victimization charge does not merge with the original crime. If the underlying crime was first or second degree, the sentence includes mandatory post-incarceration parole supervision (5 or 3 years, respectively). The bill directly affects seniors and disabled individuals by adding enhanced penalties for crimes committed against them.
This bill (A 2790) proposes mandatory life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of murder committed during a sexual assault on a minor under 16 years old. It specifically amends New Jersey's murder statute (N.J.S.2C:11-3) to require this sentence when the murder occurs in the course of committing a sexual assault (N.J.S.2C:14-2 or N.J.S.2C:14-3) against a victim under 16. The law directly affects offenders convicted of such murders, eliminating parole eligibility for these cases. It does not change the definition of sexual assault but links the harshest murder sentencing to sexual assault crimes involving minors under 16. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
This bill establishes a 500-foot drug-free zone around licensed child care centers in New Jersey, prohibiting the distribution, possession, or dispensing of controlled dangerous substances within that area. It directly affects individuals who sell or distribute drugs near these centers, with violations classified as a third-degree crime carrying mandatory minimum prison terms (one-third to one-half of the sentence, or one year for small marijuana amounts, or three years for other drugs). Key provisions require courts to impose parole ineligibility during these minimum terms, though judges may reduce penalties if children weren't present, violence wasn't involved, or the offense occurred outside school hours. The law also includes an affirmative defense for offenses entirely within private residences with no minors present and no profit motive. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee.
S 2396 upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime and elevates it to a first-degree crime if committed while armed with a weapon or explosives. This directly affects individuals convicted of burglarizing homes (dwellings or structures adapted for overnight stays), changing their sentencing level based on whether they were armed during the offense. Under the bill, second-degree burglary (unarmed residence burglary) carries a 5-10 year prison term, while first-degree burglary (armed residence burglary) would now carry a higher penalty. The bill amends New Jersey’s burglary statute (N.J.S.2C:18-2) and aligns sentencing with existing parole requirements for serious crimes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026.
This bill requires local police to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender (convicted of a crime against a minor under 18) registers with the state. It prohibits such offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds, unless specific exceptions apply (like existing residences, facilities, or court-approved exemptions). The law aims to enhance public safety by creating buffer zones around child-occupied locations, while requiring municipalities to be informed of new registrations. Exceptions include offenders residing at correctional facilities, those with pre-existing homes, or those granted exemptions by parole boards or courts. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.
This bill requires a mandatory 3-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility for drivers who leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing serious bodily injury. It directly affects drivers convicted of leaving accident scenes under New Jersey law (specifically amending N.J.S.2C:12-1.1). The key provision eliminates judicial discretion for third-degree offenses in these cases, mandating a minimum 3-year term and prohibiting suspended sentences or parole. The bill also clarifies that this conviction does not merge with separate assault charges, requiring consecutive sentences for multiple offenses.
This bill upgrades burglary of a residence (a dwelling or structure adapted for overnight accommodation) to a second-degree crime, regardless of whether the burglar was armed or caused injury. Currently, such burglaries are typically third-degree unless specific aggravating factors exist. The change means offenders convicted of entering a home unlawfully will face a second-degree charge, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before parole eligibility under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). This directly affects individuals convicted of residential burglary, increasing potential prison time compared to the current third-degree classification. The bill amends New Jersey law to automatically classify these offenses as second-degree burglary under Section 2C:18-2(b)(3).
