Requires local government notification of sex offender registration; and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds with few exceptions.

S 2778 requires local governments to be notified when a sex offender registers with municipal police or moves to a municipality without a police force (via state police notification). It prohibits sex offenders assessed as moderate or high risk of re-offending from living within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, or playgrounds, with four exceptions: residing at a correctional or mental health facility, having established residence before the law took effect, or if a school/center was built near their home after they moved in. Violating this prohibition is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill applies specifically to sex offenders under New Jersey’s registration requirements who meet the risk assessment criteria.