S 3279 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Clarifies right of crime victim to make in-person statement directly to defendant concerning impact of crime.

This bill clarifies that crime victims in New Jersey have the right to make an in-person statement directly to the defendant about how a crime affected them during any trial, hearing, or proceeding where a victim impact statement is given. It applies to all victims involved in criminal cases where the defendant is physically able to attend. The statement must be made in addition to any written impact statement considered during sentencing or plea negotiations. The court may deny this right only if it finds the defendant is incapable of attending due to physical incapacity, injury, or illness.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Feb 2, 2026
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Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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