Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1800: Requires firearm retailers to provide disclosure of customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms; advises customers it is unlawful to purchase firearms with intent to sell to disqualified persons.

This New Jersey bill (S 1800) requires firearm retailers to provide customers with a written disclosure at the point of sale. The disclosure informs customers they must report lost or stolen firearms within 36 hours to local law enforcement or the State Police, and warns that buying a firearm to illegally resell it to disqualified individuals is unlawful. Retailers must have customers sign and keep copies of this disclosure for 15 years, and prominently post the same notice at all sales counters. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, with collected fines directed to gun violence prevention efforts.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 209: Imposes requirements on video visitation service contracts for inmates in certain correctional facilities; requires correctional facilities to allow contact visits.

This New Jersey bill (S 209) regulates video visitation services for inmates and mandates contact visits. It requires correctional facilities to contract with vendors charging no more than 11 cents per minute for video visits (including remote access), prohibits additional fees or commissions, and mandates refunds for failed or low-quality visits. The bill also bans charges for attorney, clergy, or legal representative visits and requires facilities to allow contact visits with only reasonable safety-related conditions. These provisions directly affect inmates, correctional facilities, and video service providers across state, county, and private prisons.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2122: Specifies additional services for victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence; makes $1,000,000 appropriation.

S 2122 establishes a program requiring New Jersey fire stations to serve as safe havens for victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Firefighters would receive specific training to refer victims to emergency shelters, legal aid, victim advocacy services, and community resources, while ensuring services are provided without discrimination based on citizenship status. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund to implement this program, including firefighter training requirements and victim referral protocols. It directly affects victims of these crimes and firefighters who will facilitate access to critical support services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Civil Rights Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Citizenship & Naturalization

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2874: Requires provision of trauma-informed reentry support services to certain defendants who are victims of abuse.

This bill requires New Jersey to provide trauma-informed reentry support services to certain defendants who were victims of domestic violence or abuse that contributed to their criminal behavior. It directly affects individuals sentenced under N.J.S.2C:44-1 or eligible for resentencing under pending Senate Bill 4870 (S4870), including access to mental health counseling, peer recovery support, vocational training, and housing assistance. Key mechanisms include creating a Department of Corrections grant program to fund community-based reentry services - prioritizing organizations led by trauma survivors - and mandating collaboration between corrections, courts, and public defense. The bill also requires annual reporting on program outcomes, including recidivism, employment, and housing data for participants. These services are tied to S4870, which establishes resentencing options for abuse victims whose trauma contributed to their crime.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1144: Creates second degree crime for operation of stolen vehicle in manner that creates risk of injury to person or property.

This bill amends New Jersey law to classify operating a stolen vehicle in a way that risks injury to people or damage to property as a second-degree crime. It directly affects individuals who steal vehicles and then drive them recklessly, such as during high-speed chases or in crowded areas. The key change reclassifies this specific scenario from a lower-degree offense to second-degree theft, carrying penalties of 5 to 10 years in prison, a $150,000 fine, or both. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2111: Requires notification of local law enforcement prior to expungement of certain mental health records of prospective firearms purchasers.

This bill requires New Jersey courts to notify local law enforcement and the Attorney General before expunging certain mental health records related to firearm eligibility. Specifically, when a person seeks to erase records that affect their ability to purchase a firearm under federal or state law, the court must serve copies of the expungement order on the county prosecutor, local police chief, and the Attorney General. This applies to records previously filed under mental health commitment or disability determinations that impact firearm background checks. The change ensures law enforcement is informed before such records are removed, aligning with federal background check requirements under the NICS Improvement Amendments Act and Brady Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1433: "New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act"; establishes certain requirements and penalties regarding firearm storage; repeals law governing minor's access to firearm; requires AG to establish public awareness campaign regarding firearm storage; appropriates $500,000.

This bill requires all legal firearm owners in New Jersey to store unloaded guns in locked safes or containers and ammunition separately in locked containers. First-time violations mandate 10-40 hours of community service with approved gun violence prevention organizations, while repeat violations or incidents where improperly stored firearms cause injury/death escalate to criminal charges. The bill repeals prior laws about minors accessing firearms, appropriates $500,000 for an Attorney General-led public awareness campaign, and mandates retailers to provide written warnings and display signage about storage requirements. It directly affects firearm owners storing guns at their homes or premises.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Firearms

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2097: Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of binary firearm triggers.

New Jersey's S 2097 makes it a crime to sell or possess binary firearm triggers, which modify semi-automatic guns to fire twice per trigger pull. The bill amends New Jersey's criminal code by adding these triggers to the legal definition of "machine gun," thereby classifying them as illegal under existing machine gun laws. It directly affects gun owners, sellers, and manufacturers who handle or distribute such triggers within the state. The key provision is the legal reclassification, imposing criminal penalties for possession or sale without requiring new prohibitions on standard firearms. This change focuses on specific trigger modifications, not general firearm ownership.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2308: Broadens statute that criminalizes cyber-harassment of minor.

S 2308 (Broadens statute that criminalizes cyber-harassment of minor) amends New Jersey law to make cyber-harassment of a minor a third-degree crime when committed by someone aged 18 or older, removing the previous requirement that the offender impersonate a minor. It directly affects adults who cyber-harass minors, parents/guardians of minors convicted of such acts, and courts ordering prevention programs. Key provisions include imposing fines ($100-$500) on parents who fail to comply with court-ordered education programs for minors, and allowing civil liability for parents showing "willful disregard" in supervising minors. The bill updates sentencing to treat this as a third-degree offense (up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fine), replacing the prior stricter requirement of impersonation.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2493: Expands categories of individuals who may bring a claim under wrongful imprisonment statute.

This bill expands New Jersey's wrongful imprisonment law to include individuals wrongfully convicted and later civilly committed as "sexually violent predators" under P.L.1998, c.71. It allows these individuals to sue the state for damages by proving, with clear and convincing evidence, that they did not commit the crime and were not responsible for their conviction. Claimants must file within two years of release, pardon, or vacated conviction, with damages calculated as twice their pre-incarceration income or $50,000 per year of imprisonment, plus additional support like legal fees and counseling. The law applies to those released or pardoned on or after December 27, 2013, who haven't previously received compensation under similar statutes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

All criminal justice bills