"J.B.'s Law;" amends Rules of Evidence to exclude creative or artistic expression in audio or video format from jury consideration in criminal proceedings.
SJR 66, "J.B.'s Law," would amend New Jersey's Rules of Evidence to prohibit the use of creative or artistic expressions - including music lyrics, rap videos, poetry, or film - as evidence in criminal trials. It specifically targets audio or video content created for artistic purposes, ensuring such material cannot be admitted to prove a defendant's guilt or used for impeachment. The bill directly affects defendants in criminal cases, particularly those in music or artistic fields, by preventing prosecutors from using their creative works against them. Key provisions redefine "relevant evidence" (Rule 401), exclude artistic expression from character evidence rules (Rule 404), and clarify that such works do not constitute "statements" under hearsay rules (Rule 801). The amendment would take effect if adopted by the New Jersey Supreme Court following the bill's passage.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Benjie Wimberly
DDemocratic
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