Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 843: Requires victim notification concerning termination of sex offender's obligation to register and requires court to enter or continue restraining order for victim of sex offense under certain circumstances.

This bill requires New Jersey courts to notify victims when a sex offender's registration obligation ends, ensuring victims are informed about changes in the offender's status. It also mandates courts to enter or continue restraining orders for victims of sex offenses under specific circumstances, such as when the offender's registration is terminated. The law directly affects victims of sex offenses and sex offenders whose registration requirements are ending. Key mechanisms include automatic victim notification upon termination of registration and court orders for restraining protections. These changes aim to enhance victim safety and awareness without altering existing registration requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2399: Creates sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator for service members.

This bill creates a dedicated sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, specifically for service members including the New Jersey National Guard. The program allows victims to file confidential complaints with the coordinator (independently from military leadership), receive advocacy services, and access victim compensation. Key provisions include the coordinator referring cases to the Attorney General for investigation, assisting victims in obtaining protective orders, and requiring annual reports on program effectiveness and sexual assault statistics. The bill directly affects service members who experience sexual assault and provides new reporting mechanisms and support services.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights Violent Crime National Guard & Reserve

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3138: Establishes "Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Pilot Program" within the criminal justice system.

This bill establishes a pilot program in New Jersey's criminal justice system for individuals convicted of crimes related to gambling disorders. It targets people with disordered gambling who committed offenses "in furtherance of or because of" their gambling, requiring them to complete treatment and pay restitution before sentencing. The program mandates participation in counseling, education, and referrals through qualified mental health professionals, with costs covered by participants where possible or through state/federal funding. A court coordinator will track progress, including treatment attendance and financial restitution, to ensure program completion.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 358: Increases penalties for human trafficking of children.

S 358 increases penalties for human trafficking involving children under 18 by mandating life imprisonment without parole for all offenses, including both sexual exploitation and forced labor. Currently, trafficking children for sex carries a life sentence without parole, but this bill expands that requirement to cover all forms of child trafficking. The bill also requires a $25,000 fine for offenders, with funds directed to a survivor assistance fund, and mandates restitution to victims based on labor value. This directly affects traffickers who exploit children, regardless of whether the trafficking involves sexual activity or labor.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing Victims' Rights Child Labor

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2922: Provides for rehabilitative release for certain incarcerated persons.

This bill establishes a process for certain elderly inmates to seek early release based on long-term incarceration and rehabilitation. It allows individuals who have served at least 20 years (or 30 years for murder convictions) and are age 60 (or 62 for murder) to receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Rehabilitative Release. Courts must then consider factors like public safety, demonstrated rehabilitation, victim input, and reentry planning before potentially modifying sentences. If approved, inmates face a 5-year parole supervision term and must address victim notification requirements during the process.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights Tags Seniors

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2933: Restricts genetic testing of newborn and crime victim DNA; permits DNA information to be obtained pursuant to warrant or court order.

This bill requires explicit permission from individuals or their representatives before collecting genetic information from DNA samples, with specific exceptions. It prohibits law enforcement from using crime victims' or witnesses' DNA to investigate unrelated family members - a practice recently reported to cause unintended consequences. Exceptions include newborn screening under existing health programs, paternity testing, DNA databases for criminal investigations, and medical research where identities remain anonymous. The law also mandates healthcare providers to inform patients about how their genetic data will be handled and protected.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 365: Establishes criminal liability for property destruction occurring during auto theft and police pursuit for auto theft; requires restitution for damages incurred.

S 365 makes it a crime to cause property damage during auto theft or immediate flight from it, directly affecting individuals committing or involved in such thefts. Damage of $500 or more triggers a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison), while damage under $500 is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months). The bill requires convicted individuals to pay restitution to property owners for repairs or replacement, regardless of whether the damage was caused by the defendant, police during a pursuit, or others. This law applies even if the defendant wasn’t the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3126: Increases amount of credit for incarceration resulting from default of court-imposed financial obligation or motor vehicle penalty.

This bill (S 3126) increases the credit toward court-imposed financial obligations for individuals jailed due to nonpayment. Specifically, it raises the daily credit from $50 to $90 for each day served in jail related to unpaid fines, restitution, child support, or other court-ordered debts. The change applies directly to people incarcerated for defaulting on these obligations without "good cause," as defined under New Jersey law. It modifies Section 2C:46-2(c) of the statute to ensure greater debt reduction per day of incarceration. This policy change aims to reduce the total debt burden more effectively for affected individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Victims' Rights

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 2565: Permits victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify in criminal proceedings via closed circuit television; permits judge to make motion to seek closed circuit testimony.

This bill (S 2565) expands access to closed-circuit television testimony for victims and witnesses specifically in human trafficking cases. It allows courts to order such testimony after finding clear evidence that testifying in person would cause severe emotional distress, with safeguards ensuring the victim/witness testifies under oath, faces cross-examination, and their demeanor remains observable. The law permits victims, prosecutors, defendants, or judges to request this testimony, and includes special confidentiality rules for minors (under 18) regarding audio recordings of their testimony. This directly affects human trafficking victims and witnesses in New Jersey criminal trials, making it easier for them to participate without facing traumatic in-person courtroom settings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Judges Victims' Rights

All criminal justice bills