This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to update the state's law enforcement use of force policy, directly affecting all law enforcement agencies in the state. Key provisions mandate that officers prioritize deescalation and crisis intervention techniques, use force only when proportional to the threat, and follow clear guidelines for firearm use and reporting excessive force incidents. The policy must also include specific training requirements for vulnerable populations, procedures for investigating citizen complaints, and regular reviews to ensure fairness and accountability. The revised policy must be published within seven months of the bill's enactment and will take effect eight months after enactment.
This Senate Resolution condemns police brutality and the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a formal statement of the Senate's position on the issue. The resolution references specific incidents and statistics regarding police violence against marginalized communities and states that such conduct violates constitutional rights. Copies of the resolution will be sent to federal and state officials, including the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and the New Jersey Attorney General.
This bill allows individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft to petition a New Jersey court for a formal judicial determination of factual innocence when crimes are committed using their identity. The process permits courts to review evidence such as affidavits and police reports to decide if the victim did not commit the offense, with the option to expedite the hearing. If the court finds the victim factually innocent, it can issue an order to delete, seal, or label the victim's personal information in public court records to prevent future misuse. Additionally, the bill requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to create a database of identity theft victims with factual innocence determinations, accessible to criminal justice agencies and authorized representatives, and establish a toll-free number for victim access.
This bill, known as the Right to Know Act, requires New Jersey State Police to create and maintain a public database of undocumented immigrants who have been criminally charged or convicted and are currently in state, county, or municipal correctional facilities. The database would include each person's photograph, the specific crime they were charged with or convicted of, and the location and date of their release from custody. The legislation directly affects undocumented immigrants in the state's correctional system and the public who would have access to this information. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to increase transparency regarding criminal justice involvement among undocumented individuals in New Jersey.
This bill requires the New Jersey State Police to create a new community policing unit designed to build trust and transparency with local communities. The unit would work with residents, local agencies, and community groups to address crime and quality-of-life issues, while also implementing recruitment practices to increase diversity among State Police officers. It mandates biennial training for all State troopers on inclusive communities and sets minimum annual hours for community engagement activities. Additionally, the State Police Superintendent must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and Legislature summarizing the unit's activities.
This bill expands the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission in New Jersey by increasing its membership from 13 to 17 members, adding four public appointees and a representative from a police organization. The commission will conduct a broader review of the state's criminal sentencing laws to recommend changes that improve fairness, public safety, and resource efficiency while addressing disparities in the justice system. Key provisions include requiring the commission to examine racial and ethnic disparities, evaluate judicial discretion and mandatory minimums, and assess whether sentencing options need expansion. The bill also broadens the commission's reporting duties, mandating that it submit detailed recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on specific sentencing issues.
This Assembly Resolution establishes a Prison Gang Task Force to study security and safety issues in New Jersey's correctional facilities. The task force will examine topics such as gang prevalence, safety equipment for officers, training adequacy, intelligence gathering methods, and policies for handling incidents. It consists of 11 members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, including current and former correctional police officers, legislators, and experts in gang-related activities and facility security. Members serve without pay but may receive expense reimbursements, and the group must organize within 60 days of the resolution's approval.
This bill expands New Jersey's implied consent law to include blood testing for marijuana and certain controlled substances, not just alcohol. It establishes a "per se" standard, meaning drivers with specific levels of these substances in their blood would automatically be considered impaired under the law. The law applies directly to drivers operating vehicles in New Jersey who are found to have these substances in their system. Key mechanisms include requiring police to request blood tests when suspected of impairment from these substances and creating automatic violations based on test results, rather than requiring proof of actual impairment.
S 3686, the "Honoring and Listening to Our First Responders Act" (HALO Act), creates a new disorderly persons offense for approaching within 25 feet of a first responder after being instructed not to, when the intent is to obstruct, threaten, intimidate, or harass them while they perform official duties. It directly affects first responders - including police officers, firefighters (paid or volunteer), and emergency medical personnel - by establishing legal protection against interference during their work. The law prohibits actions that impair their duties through threatening behavior within the 25-foot zone, with penalties including up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The bill does not prevent prosecution under other existing laws.
This bill (A 987) requires background checks for all handgun and firearm purchasers through licensed dealers in New Jersey, as amended to N.J.S.2C:58-3. It mandates that dealers conduct National Instant Criminal Background Checks (NICB) before any sale or transfer, with specific exemptions for immediate family members, law enforcement, and collectors (as defined in federal law). The bill does not require background checks for household members of purchasers; it applies solely to the individual purchasing the firearm. Dealers must submit check results to state police, maintain non-public records, and may charge a fee (up to $70 for rifles/shotguns). The bill is currently in committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
