Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4692: Requires volunteers, employees, and organizers of certain youth and sports organizations to receive criminal history record background checks.

This bill requires youth and sports organizations in New Jersey to obtain criminal history background checks for all employees, volunteers, and organizers who work with individuals under 18 years of age. Organizations must request these checks through the State Bureau of Identification, which will review state and federal records to identify any disqualifying criminal convictions. The bill mandates that background checks be conducted annually, though individuals who have already completed a check for a national or international athletic association within the same year may submit proof instead of undergoing a new check. Organizations that fail to comply face civil penalties ranging from $500 to $1,000 per offense, while individuals who knowingly participate despite being disqualified or organizers who disregard check results could face fourth-degree criminal charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4782: Clarifies crime of unlawful access concerning certain password protected communications in electronic storage.

This bill amends New Jersey's wiretapping statute to clarify criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications, such as email accounts. It establishes that accessing a communication protected by a password without knowing and inputting that password, or without consent from at least one party, constitutes a crime. The bill creates two tiers of offenses: a fourth-degree crime for unauthorized access, and a third-degree crime if the access was motivated by commercial advantage, gain, or malicious destruction. This change removes any implied consent defense for individuals who access communications left unprotected because a user failed to log out properly.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SR 79: Condemns police brutality and excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.

This Senate Resolution condemns police brutality and the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a formal statement of the Senate's position on the issue. The resolution references specific incidents and statistics regarding police violence against marginalized communities and states that such conduct violates constitutional rights. Copies of the resolution will be sent to federal and state officials, including the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and the New Jersey Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3923: Requires YJC to publish information regarding juveniles who were waived to adult criminal court and are serving custodial sentences in State juvenile facilities.

This bill requires New Jersey's Youth Justice Commission to create and maintain a public registry of juveniles whose cases were waived to adult criminal court and are serving custodial sentences in state juvenile facilities. The registry will include specific details such as each juvenile's name, sentence length, facility location, parole eligibility or release date, criminal history, and other information deemed appropriate by the commission. The Youth Justice Commission must also publish biennial reports summarizing aggregated data on these juveniles, including offense details, demographics, and incident records related to violence, suicide, and segregation. Additionally, the commission must publish and provide to incarcerated juveniles the criteria used to determine parole eligibility. This legislation aims to increase transparency regarding the status and treatment of juveniles in the state's juvenile justice system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3921: Imposes notice requirement to victim or victim's family when probation or suspended sentence changes or defendant is discharged.

This bill requires the New Jersey probation division to notify victims or the nearest relatives of homicide victims when a defendant's probation or suspended sentence is modified, shortened, or when the defendant is discharged from supervision. The law applies specifically to cases involving homicide victims and ensures these individuals receive timely information about changes that affect the length of the defendant's probation period. By amending Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, the bill mandates that the probation division provide this notification whenever a court modifies conditions or shortens the suspension period, while also clarifying that contact prohibitions for sex offense defendants remain in effect after probation ends.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 3884: Requires expedited risk assessment and community notification for certain registered sex offenders who move to this State from another jurisdiction.*

This bill establishes faster notification procedures for sex offenders moving to New Jersey from other states. It requires individuals already registered as sex offenders in another jurisdiction to register in New Jersey if they enroll in state educational institutions or work in the state for more than 14 consecutive days or over 30 days in a calendar year. The legislation defines specific sex offenses that trigger registration requirements and sets a 120-day deadline for new registrants to complete the process. Failure to register as required would result in a third-degree criminal charge.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3402: Prohibits release of home addresses of certain public safety employees by governmental entities.

This bill prohibits government entities from releasing the home addresses of certain public safety employees. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other public safety organizations in New Jersey. The legislation amends existing state laws to add specific protections for the personal addresses of these workers, preventing their disclosure through public records requests. This change aims to enhance the safety and privacy of public safety personnel by restricting access to their residential information. The bill does not specify which public safety roles are covered, leaving that determination to the implementing agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3919: Permits person diagnosed with autism or communication disability to voluntarily make notation on driver's license, identification card, and in MVC registry; establishes program to train law enforcement officers in interactions with persons with autism or communication disabilities.

This bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or a communication disability to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license or identification card. It also creates a statewide registry where these individuals can submit information to help law enforcement officers communicate more effectively during interactions. The registry includes details like vehicle information and emergency contacts, and access is restricted to authorized commission staff and law enforcement during official duties. Additionally, the bill establishes a training program to educate law enforcement officers on appropriate interactions with people who have autism or communication disabilities. Individuals can remove their designation or registry information at any time.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3834: Allows identity theft victims to petition for judicial determination of factual innocence.

This bill allows individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft to petition a New Jersey court for a formal judicial determination of factual innocence when crimes are committed using their identity. The process permits courts to review evidence such as affidavits and police reports to decide if the victim did not commit the offense, with the option to expedite the hearing. If the court finds the victim factually innocent, it can issue an order to delete, seal, or label the victim's personal information in public court records to prevent future misuse. Additionally, the bill requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to create a database of identity theft victims with factual innocence determinations, accessible to criminal justice agencies and authorized representatives, and establish a toll-free number for victim access.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 4046: Establishes New Jersey Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

This bill creates the New Jersey Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Human Services. The center will be led by an Executive Director appointed by the Governor and will develop policies to ensure high standards of care and protect the rights of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who live in state programs or facilities. Key provisions include defining abuse, neglect, and exploitation by caregivers, improving investigation procedures for incidents involving these individuals, and allowing the center to accept grants and contracts to support its work. The bill also establishes a Medical Review Board to oversee mortality and abuse prevention cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

All criminal justice bills