Criminal Justice (Corrections) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3013: Prohibits sex offenders from distributing candy or other items to children on Halloween.

This bill (A3013) prohibits "excluded sex offenders" (defined as individuals convicted of sex offenses involving minors under 18) from distributing candy or other items to children under 18 during Halloween or Halloween-themed events. It amends New Jersey law to classify this act as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses against minors, specifically restricting their interaction with children during Halloween celebrations. It does not override existing restrictions on sex offenders working with youth organizations but adds a specific Halloween-related prohibition. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3463: Imposes requirements on video visitation service contracts for inmates in certain correctional facilities; requires correctional facilities to allow contact visits.

This bill sets a maximum 11-cent-per-minute rate for inmate video visitation services in New Jersey state, county, and private correctional facilities, prohibits extra fees or commissions, and requires refunds for failed or low-quality sessions. It also bans charges for visits between inmates and attorneys, legal representatives, or clergy, and mandates that facilities allow in-person contact visits with only safety-related restrictions. Correctional facilities must follow state bidding rules when selecting video service providers and include financial penalties for unreliable service. The law applies immediately to all relevant facilities and contracts.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2433: Upgrades crime of stalking when stalking activity is carried out or assisted by installation or use of communication or location monitoring program or device on cellular phone or wireless mobile device.

This bill amends New Jersey's stalking law to increase penalties when a perpetrator uses a device or program on the victim's phone to monitor communications or location. Normally, stalking is a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 fine), but if the stalking involves installing or using a monitoring tool on the victim's cellular or wireless device to intercept calls, messages, or track location, it becomes a third-degree crime (3-5 years in prison and up to $15,000 fine). The law specifically targets the misuse of common apps or preinstalled software, which are widely available but often used without consent in stalking cases. This change directly affects victims of tech-assisted stalking and those who exploit phone monitoring tools to harass others.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Telecommunications

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3494: Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees.

This bill (A3494, "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act") requires New Jersey correctional facilities to implement gender-responsive policies for female inmates. Key provisions include: mandating gender-specific risk assessments during classification, creating a Division of Women’s Services to address trauma, parenting needs, and reentry support, providing doula services for pregnant incarcerated women, establishing a PREA Compliance Unit, and forming a Special Victims Unit to investigate sexual misconduct. The bill directly affects all female inmates in state correctional facilities and requires correctional staff to undergo annual training on gender-responsive practices. These changes aim to improve safety, dignity, and access to services for incarcerated women through specific, measurable policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3455: Requires persons to report incidents of domestic violence to law enforcement and makes it a disorderly persons offense to fail to report.

This bill requires specific professionals - including doctors, counselors, and medical staff - to report suspected domestic violence incidents to law enforcement when they have reasonable cause to believe a person is a victim. Failure to report such incidents would be classified as a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law also provides legal immunity to reporters acting in good faith and mandates that institutions (like hospitals) notify their leadership to ensure reporting occurs. The bill updates New Jersey’s domestic violence registry by requiring law enforcement to forward reports to state agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3348: Provides that crime of official misconduct involving disclosure of domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information is second degree crime.

This bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for public servants who disclose domestic violence or sexual assault victims' personal information during official misconduct. Currently, such misconduct is a second-degree crime only if the benefit involved exceeds $200, otherwise it's a less severe third-degree crime. Under this bill, disclosing victims' personal information - defined as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or other identifying details - automatically elevates the offense to a second-degree crime, regardless of the benefit's value. This change imposes stricter penalties: second-degree crimes carry 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000, versus 3-5 years or $15,000 for third-degree offenses. It directly affects public servants like police, court staff, or social workers handling victim cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2690: Elevates leaving scene of accident resulting in death to crime of first degree.

This New Jersey bill (A 2690) elevates the crime of leaving the scene of an accident that results in death from a second-degree to a first-degree offense. It directly affects drivers who leave such accident scenes, increasing penalties from up to 10 years in prison to up to 20 years, and raising fines from $150,000 to $200,000. The law clarifies that a driver’s knowledge of the death or violation of traffic laws is not required for conviction. It also ensures separate sentences for this charge and related offenses like aggravated manslaughter, with sentences running consecutively. The bill is pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1343: Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.

This bill creates a new disorderly persons offense for individuals who wear masks or disguises with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding arrest while committing another crime under New Jersey law. It specifically exempts people wearing masks for medical, religious, or expressive reasons (like cultural practices or health protection). To be charged under this law, a person must already face charges for the underlying crime and must have worn the mask/disguise during its commission. Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the offense cannot be merged with other criminal charges for sentencing.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 657: Establishes mandatory penalties for committing burglary and theft during a state of emergency.

This bill imposes mandatory penalties for burglary, robbery, or theft committed during a state of emergency declared under New Jersey's Disaster Control Act. It requires courts to impose a minimum six-month prison term or six months of community service (in addition to standard penalties) for these specific crimes when they occur during emergencies like natural disasters or war threats. The law applies to individuals who commit these acts while an emergency is ongoing, as defined by the Governor's emergency orders. It directly affects people charged with burglary, robbery, or theft during declared emergencies, with penalties enforced through municipal courts.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 619: Establishes crime of doxxing.

This New Jersey bill (A 619) creates a new criminal offense for "doxxing," defined as knowingly sharing someone's personal details (like address or phone number) online without consent to cause fear of harm, violence, or stalking. It specifically targets disclosures that create a serious risk of bodily injury, stalking, or severe emotional distress (mental anguish) to the person or their close relations - such as family, household members, or close associates. Exceptions apply for good-faith disclosures to the public about suspected unlawful conduct, to law enforcement, or during official investigations. Violations are a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), escalating to a third-degree crime if serious harm occurs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

All criminal justice bills