Criminal Justice (Corrections) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2494: Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons.

S 2494 creates a new crime called "fiscal victimization" targeting seniors (60+) and disabled individuals (with documented physical/mental impairments). It makes it illegal to commit theft or identity theft against these groups, with strict liability - defendants cannot claim they didn’t know the victim’s status. Penalties increase by one degree (e.g., from disorderly persons to fourth-degree crime) unless the underlying crime is a first-degree offense, which could lead to 10-30 years in prison. The law requires separate sentencing for both the theft and fiscal victimization charges, and the victimization charge is dismissed if the underlying theft is dropped.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Tags Seniors

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2174: Establishes crime of doxxing.

This bill makes it a crime to disclose someone's personal information without consent when it creates a risk of physical harm, stalking, or severe emotional distress. It specifically targets disclosures that cause a "close relation" (like family, household members, or close associates) to fear for their safety or experience mental anguish. Exceptions include reporting suspected crimes to police or sharing information about public officials' misconduct in good faith. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), with harsher penalties if injury or stalking occurs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Policing Data Privacy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3035: Imposes certain requirements on use of automated license plate readers by law enforcement agencies.

This New Jersey bill (S 3035) regulates how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate readers (ALPRs). It requires agencies to conduct annual audits of ALPR use, submit detailed annual reports to the Attorney General (including data on readings, storage, and data requests), and retain collected data for exactly two years before deleting it - unless they get special permission for cost reasons. The bill also penalizes unauthorized access to ALPR data with fines or jail time. These rules directly affect all New Jersey law enforcement agencies using ALPR technology.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SJR 29: Makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct."

SJR 29 makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct," which was previously established for a limited term. The bill creates a 17-member commission with legislative, state agency, and public representatives - including a former inmate, victims' advocate, and PREA expert - to examine safety issues in correctional facilities. Key duties include assessing compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), reviewing how sexual assault allegations are reported and investigated, studying staffing ratios at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, and preventing retaliation against inmates who report misconduct. The commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations. This directly affects inmates in New Jersey's correctional facilities, particularly regarding their safety and access to fair investigations of misconduct by staff.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1077: Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees.

S 1077, the "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to implement gender-responsive policies for female inmates. It establishes a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment, parenting support, and child reunification, while mandating doula services for pregnant incarcerated women and specialized training for staff on gender-responsive practices. The bill also creates a Prison Rape Elimination Act Compliance Unit and a Special Victim's Unit to investigate sexual misconduct allegations. These provisions directly affect all women incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities and their correctional staff. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.305.)

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3127: Requires DOC to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits inmate to enter into payment plan upon release from incarceration.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to notify inmates at release about outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties for traffic law violations (Title 39) that existed when they were incarcerated. It extends the existing 90-day grace period - during which inmates are not required to pay such fines and cannot face arrest warrants for nonpayment - to cover these specific fines. After the 90 days, inmates may arrange a reasonable payment plan for these outstanding traffic fines. The bill maintains that inmates remain responsible for paying but prohibits additional penalties while incarcerated for these fines.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 978: Makes it fourth degree crime to engage in certain tracking and location activities.

New Jersey's S 978 makes it a fourth-degree crime (carrying up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) to secretly install or use electronic tracking devices or apps to monitor another person's location with intent to facilitate unlawful acts like stalking or harassment. The bill directly affects individuals who secretly track others without consent, such as in cases of relationship surveillance. Key exemptions include parents tracking minor children, caregivers monitoring vulnerable individuals, businesses disclosing location tracking in privacy policies, and employers tracking work vehicles under specific conditions. The law creates a legal presumption that secret location tracking is intended for unlawful purposes, while excluding government entities and certain business/employer uses.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 432: Requires certain correctional facilities to allow service and companion animals to assist inmates with disability; makes appropriation.

This bill allows inmates with disabilities in New Jersey state correctional facilities to use service animals or "incarcerated person companion animals" (pets kept for companionship) under specific conditions. It requires the Department of Corrections to create a program where inmates can apply for animal assistance, with evaluations conducted within 30 days for companion animal requests. Key provisions include mandatory health documentation for animals, rules for when and how animals may be present, and processes for handling requests from inmates with existing service animals or those seeking new ones. The bill appropriates funds for implementation and sets standards to balance inmate needs with facility safety and operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 389: Makes publishing on Internet home address or unpublished telephone number of judges, prosecutors and certain court personnel a crime of the fourth degree under certain circumstances.

New Jersey bill S 389 prohibits posting judges' or prosecutors' home addresses or unlisted phone numbers online when done with intent to cause harassment or risk of harm, or in reckless disregard of that risk. It directly affects judges (Supreme Court, Superior Court, Tax Court, municipal judges), prosecutors (county and assistant prosecutors), and designated court administrative staff. Violating this law is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill mirrors existing protections for law enforcement officers under New Jersey law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2484: Clarifies procedures for restoration of driver's license after suspension; authorizes the court to waive imprisonment under certain circumstances.

New Jersey bill S 2484 clarifies procedures for drivers whose licenses were suspended, directly affecting individuals convicted of driving while suspended. The bill allows courts to waive jail time for certain violations if offenders prove they completed their suspension period and paid the required restoration fee (as outlined in P.L.1975, c.180). Key provisions specify that courts must waive imprisonment for first offenses under suspension, provided the person shows proof of fee payment and completed suspension. This change aims to reduce unnecessary incarceration for compliant drivers while maintaining penalties for repeat violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

All criminal justice bills