Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5298: Requires AG to establish uniform police training curriculum.

This bill requires the New Jersey Attorney General to create a single, standardized curriculum for basic police training across the state. The Attorney General must work with the existing Police Training Commission to develop this course, which will then be taught at all approved police training schools. The law also gives the Commission authority to enforce this new curriculum, inspect training schools, and ensure instructors meet specific qualifications. Additionally, the Attorney General is tasked with reviewing and updating the curriculum annually to keep it current.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4475: Requires law enforcement to notify State Parole Board when parolee violates domestic violence restraining order.

This bill requires law enforcement officers in New Jersey to immediately notify the State Parole Board if a person charged with violating a domestic violence restraining order is currently on parole. The legislation mandates that officers check a new central registry to identify parolees and ensures the Parole Board Chairman is informed whenever a contempt charge is filed against someone under supervision. Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for setting bail and handling contempt proceedings, including a requirement that second or subsequent nonindictable domestic violence contempt offenses result in a minimum 30-day jail sentence. These changes aim to improve communication between law enforcement and the parole system to address domestic violence violations more effectively.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 5203: Prohibits court from requiring victim of sexual offense to submit to certain examinations.

This New Jersey bill prohibits courts from ordering victims of sexual offenses to undergo specific physical exams, such as gynecological checks or examinations of the breasts, buttocks, anus, or sexual organs. It applies to cases involving aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and human trafficking. The law also ensures that if a victim refuses these specific exams, their refusal cannot be used to dismiss other relevant evidence collected during the case. This change aims to limit invasive procedures while maintaining the ability of courts to use other available evidence.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5300: Requires State Police to establish community policing unit.

This bill directs the New Jersey State Police to create a new community policing unit designed to build trust and transparency with the public. The unit will work with local agencies and community groups to address crime and quality of life issues, while also implementing recruitment practices aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity. Additionally, the legislation mandates biennial training for all troopers on inclusive communities and requires each officer to complete a minimum number of community engagement hours annually. To ensure accountability, the Superintendent of State Police must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and the Legislature detailing the unit's activities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 5279: Upgrades assault on victims who are elderly or disabled.

This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to impose stricter penalties for attacking specific protected groups, including elderly and disabled individuals. Under the proposed changes, any simple assault committed against these vulnerable victims would be automatically classified as an aggravated assault, carrying a more severe criminal charge. The legislation also expands the list of protected persons to include a wide range of workers such as school staff, utility employees, and healthcare providers when they are performing their official duties. By reclassifying attacks on these groups as aggravated offenses, the bill ensures that perpetrators face harsher legal consequences than those who assault the general public.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 5216: Requires hotels to establish telecommunications system that connects callers directly to NJ Human Trafficking Hotline; requires hotel employees to report human trafficking alerts to law enforcement.

This bill requires hotels in New Jersey to install a telecommunications system that connects callers directly to the state's Human Trafficking Hotline when they dial "4-8" from a guest room phone. It mandates that hotel employees receive an alert whenever this code is dialed and immediately report the incident to law enforcement. The law applies to buildings classified as hotels and requires at least one working telephone in every guest room, though the state commissioner may grant exemptions based on factors like the size of the establishment. Additionally, the bill directs the state to create specific rules and regulations to oversee the implementation of these safety measures.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4473: Requires employing board of education or contractor to notify DOE regarding termination of employee disqualified from employment.

This bill requires school boards and their contractors to notify the New Jersey Department of Education when they terminate an employee who has been disqualified from working in schools due to criminal history. The law mandates that the Commissioner of Education inform school districts immediately upon learning of pending charges or convictions against current staff members, ensuring that employees accused of specific offenses are removed from contact with students while their cases are pending. Additionally, the bill establishes a formal process for school bus drivers to undergo criminal and driving record checks, permanently disqualifying them if they have certain criminal convictions or multiple serious traffic violations. To enforce compliance, the legislation imposes fines on school districts or contractors that fail to provide written confirmation to the state that disqualified employees have been terminated.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics School Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4934: Provides for qualified voters who are incarcerated to receive mail-in ballots.

This bill allows incarcerated voters in New Jersey who are not convicted of serious felonies to request and receive mail-in ballots. It requires the Secretary of State and the Department of Corrections to work together to provide ballot applications and ensure ballots are sent to the inmate's detention facility. The law also mandates that if an inmate is moved to a different location, the Department of Corrections must deliver the ballot to the new site. Importantly, the bill does not restore voting rights to those convicted of indictable offenses, and any ballots sent to individuals who become ineligible after submitting a request are automatically voided.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Tags Elections

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5037: Permits county sheriffs to appoint special law enforcement officers.

This bill allows county sheriffs in New Jersey to hire special law enforcement officers, a power currently reserved for municipalities and counties with their own police forces. The legislation enables sheriffs to appoint three types of officers: Class One for traffic duties, Class Two for full police powers including arrests, and Class Three for school security. These officers would perform their duties under existing state laws regarding training, equipment, and authority limits.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4897: Establishes "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" in Office of Public Defender.

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" statewide within the Office of the Public Defender to expand a pilot program that previously operated in three counties. The law requires each regional office to form teams for eligible clients that pair a public defender attorney with a non-attorney client services specialist. These specialists are tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other life challenges while attorneys focus on legal defense. The act also mandates the creation of databases to track community resources and requires all team members to maintain client confidentiality.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

All criminal justice bills