Criminal Justice (Drug Policy) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2564: Legalizes growing or possessing up to six marijuana plants for personal recreational use, and up to 10 plants for personal medical use, by persons aged 21 or older.

This bill legalizes personal cultivation and possession of marijuana plants for adults aged 21 or older in New Jersey. It allows individuals to grow and possess up to six marijuana plants for recreational use (with a maximum of 12 plants per household), and qualifying medical patients or their designated caregivers to grow and possess up to 10 plants for medical use (also capped at 12 plants per household). The bill amends criminal law to remove penalties for these specific amounts, making such activity not a crime, offense, or civil violation. It applies only to personal use and does not authorize commercial sales or cultivation beyond these limits.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3220: Establishes "Opioid Prevention and Rehabilitation Program Fund" and tax on opioid drugs.

This bill creates a new "Opioid Prevention and Rehabilitation Program Fund" to support treatment services for people with substance use disorders. It imposes a 1-cent tax per milligram of active opioid ingredient on pharmaceutical distributors at the first wholesale sale in New Jersey. The collected tax funds will be used annually by the Department of Human Services to provide treatment for uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid-enrolled individuals. The tax applies to opioid drugs distributed by licensed wholesale distributors, with definitions aligning with existing pharmaceutical distribution laws.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Medicaid Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3069: Expands expungement eligibility; eliminates cap on number of convictions person may expunge; eliminates limitation on number of times person may be granted expungement.

This New Jersey bill (S 3069) expands eligibility for criminal record expungement by removing two key restrictions: it eliminates the previous cap on the number of convictions a person may have expunged, and it removes the limit on how many times someone can receive expungement. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents with criminal records who previously faced barriers due to these caps. Key provisions include treating certain marijuana-related offenses as disorderly persons violations (not crimes) for expungement purposes, and allowing applications after five years from the most recent conviction, payment of fines, or release from incarceration. The bill aims to make the expungement process more accessible for individuals with multiple convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 455: Makes certain amendments to expungement statutes to reduce filing burdens and expand eligibility.

This bill (S 455) is mislabeled in its title; the actual text amends **special probation rules for substance use disorder cases**, not expungement statutes. It creates a new "special probation" option for individuals with substance use disorders convicted of certain offenses (excluding serious violent crimes), requiring a court to assess their condition, confirm the offense was drug/alcohol-related, and ensure no prior violent convictions. If approved, offenders must enter licensed residential or nonresidential treatment (including medication-assisted therapy) with regular drug testing, replacing incarceration. The bill directly affects people with substance use disorders who meet strict eligibility criteria, aiming to reduce prison time by prioritizing treatment over punishment. *(Note: The bill's title incorrectly references "expungement" despite the text focusing solely on probation and treatment programs.)*

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2024: Requires temporary detention and notification to parent or guardian of underage person who unlawfully purchases or possesses alcoholic beverages or cannabis.

This bill requires law enforcement to place underage individuals (under 18) who illegally possess alcohol or cannabis into temporary custody on a first offense, then notify their parent or guardian. For subsequent violations (second or third), it mandates written warnings for all ages, with parents notified for minors and referrals to community services (like counseling) for both the minor and their guardian. It specifies that refusing these services won’t result in legal penalties. The law applies directly to minors caught violating underage alcohol/cannabis possession rules in public places, schools, or vehicles. It does not impose fines, jail time, or court action for non-compliance with service referrals.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Juvenile Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2035: Requires grading of offenses involving manufacturing, distributing, and dispensing heroin based on dosage units in addition to weight.

This bill (S 2035) would change how New Jersey sentences people convicted of heroin-related offenses. It requires courts to consider both the *weight* of heroin and the *number of dosage units* (like individual pills or packets) when determining sentencing severity. This affects anyone convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing heroin under current state law. The key change adds dosage units as a factor alongside weight, making sentencing more precise based on how the drug was packaged for sale. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2935: Implements recommendations of New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission to remove mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug crimes.

This bill removes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses in New Jersey, specifically targeting cases involving Schedule I/II drugs (like methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine) where the offense is not violent. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug distribution or possession under amended sections of the criminal code (2C:35-3, 2C:35-4, 2C:35-5) who would have previously faced fixed minimum prison terms. The key provision gives judges sentencing discretion instead of requiring a minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence without parole eligibility. The bill applies only to non-violent drug crimes, preserving mandatory minimums for violent offenses or trafficking networks. (Introduced January 2026; pending in Senate Judiciary Committee.)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2678: Establishes right to record law enforcement activity under certain circumstances.

This bill, the "New Jerseyans’ Right to Monitor Act," grants New Jersey residents the right to record police activities while not under arrest or in custody. It protects individuals who record law enforcement actions from being stopped, threatened, arrested, or having their recording equipment seized solely for recording - unless officers have probable cause to believe the recorder is obstructing police work. Violations allow affected people to sue for damages, attorney fees, and other remedies in court. The law explicitly prohibits physical interference with police but ensures recordings and related equipment remain in the recorder's possession. It applies directly to all New Jersey citizens and law enforcement officers statewide.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Policing

All criminal justice bills