Criminal Justice (Human Trafficking) in New Jersey

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 · Senate Jun 22, 2026

S 4479: Expands crime of human trafficking to include individuals who benefit financially.

This bill expands the definition of human trafficking in New Jersey to include anyone who receives a financial benefit from such activities, regardless of whether they hold a leadership role like an organizer or manager. Under the new provisions, individuals who profit from trafficking schemes by any means would be charged with a first-degree crime, carrying potential sentences of 20 years to life with a mandatory 20-year minimum before parole eligibility. The legislation also mandates a fine of at least $25,000 for these offenses, which must be deposited into a fund to assist trafficking survivors, and requires courts to order restitution based on the value of the victim's labor or services.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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 Mar 12, 2026

S 3890: "Video Game Marketplace Trafficking Investigation Act," requires Attorney General to investigate misuse of online video game commerce systems for human trafficking activity.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to investigate how online video game platforms and marketplaces are being used for human trafficking and the commercial sex abuse of minors. The investigation must be ongoing, gather information from various sources, review consumer complaints, identify vulnerable platforms, and document exploitation methods. Companies operating in or accessible to New Jersey residents must cooperate with the investigation by responding to requests for information and protecting whistleblowers. The Attorney General will submit reports to the Governor and Legislature every 18 months and annually thereafter, while also developing prevention and enforcement recommendations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 91: Urges Congress to propose amendment to United States Constitution to prohibit use of slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crime.

This New Jersey Senate Resolution urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would ban the use of slavery and indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crimes. The bill directly addresses the legal exception in the Thirteenth Amendment that currently permits forced labor as punishment for criminal convictions. By calling for a constitutional change, the resolution seeks to eliminate the practice of unpaid or low-wage prison labor and prevent private correctional facilities from profiting from incarcerated workers. The measure would require federal action to remove the loophole that allows slavery and indentured servitude in the criminal justice system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3891: "Video Game Marketplace Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Act," creates new penalties for non-reporting of suspected human trafficking through video game marketplaces.

This bill introduces stricter penalties for human trafficking that occurs through video game marketplaces and online gaming platforms in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who facilitate or participate in trafficking schemes using digital gaming environments, including those who recruit, transport, or exploit victims through these channels. The key provision adds a specific category of human trafficking offenses related to internet and gaming platforms, classifying them as first-degree crimes with mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years without parole eligibility and substantial fines ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The legislation also requires restitution to victims based on the value of their labor or services, with funds directed to a survivor assistance fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3946: Expands criminal and civil penalties for human trafficking, and expands human trafficking training requirements for law enforcement. *

This bill expands protections for victims of human trafficking and other sexual crimes by removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses. It establishes specialized human trafficking response teams and increases training requirements for professionals who may encounter trafficking situations. The legislation also appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to allow victims to testify via closed-circuit television in court to reduce trauma during legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking

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

A 4796: Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

This bill expands the definition of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey and removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses, allowing authorities to pursue cases regardless of how much time has passed. It also creates specialized human trafficking response teams to coordinate investigations and support services, while increasing training and education requirements for law enforcement and related professionals. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to fund these initiatives and improve victim support systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

ACR 130: Urges Congress to amend the "Communication Decency Act of 1996."

This New Jersey concurrent resolution urges Congress to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 to allow state and local authorities to prosecute individuals who promote child sexual exploitation online. The bill seeks to modify federal law so that internet service providers and platforms cannot use Section 230 immunity as a shield against criminal charges related to child pornography and human trafficking. By requesting this change, the resolution aims to enable law enforcement to enforce existing state and federal criminal statutes without conflict with federal internet liability protections. The measure does not create new laws but instead asks Congress to adjust current federal protections to better align with efforts to combat online child exploitation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3935: Expands duties of Commission on Human Trafficking to prevent human trafficking in women and children of color.

This bill expands the duties of New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically address prevention efforts for women and children of color. It amends existing state law to require the commission to evaluate current laws and victim assistance programs, with a focus on ensuring these services adequately reach marginalized communities. The commission, composed of 15 members including law enforcement, victim advocates, and survivors, will develop public awareness campaigns and coordinate resources to combat trafficking. The legislation does not create new enforcement powers but directs the commission to analyze gaps in current protections and make legislative recommendations to address them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

All criminal justice bills