Criminal Justice (Courts) in New Jersey

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

A 4254: Directs use of 21st Century Improvement Fund to establish individualized account access system.

This bill directs $10 million annually from New Jersey's 21st Century Improvement Fund - funded by court fees - to create an individualized account system for the state's digital e-court platform. It requires the system to send email and text notifications to court users about pending matters, such as violations and court dates. The provision applies to anyone interacting with the court system, including low-income individuals who may use legal aid services. The change expands existing e-court access by adding personalized alerts, aiming to improve communication about court obligations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

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

A 3484: Requires court to consider results of domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain domestic violence restraining orders.

This bill (A 3484) requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain domestic violence restraining orders. It directly affects defendants seeking to dissolve an existing order and the courts reviewing those requests. The key mechanism mandates that if a defendant is subject to two or more restraining orders under P.L.1991, c.261, they must undergo a domestic violence assessment (paid by the defendant), and the court must consider the assessment findings alongside other specified factors when deciding whether to dissolve the order. The assessment findings are confidential and become part of the court's consideration process.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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

AJR 124: Establishes "New Jersey Domestic Violence and Legal Access Task Force."

AJR 124 establishes the "New Jersey Domestic Violence and Legal Access Task Force" to study unmet legal needs in domestic violence cases. The task force will examine how lack of legal counsel affects both plaintiffs (victims seeking restraining orders) and defendants (those defending against allegations), citing that 83% of represented victims obtain restraining orders versus 32% without counsel. Comprised of 16 members including survivors, legal professionals, and court officials, the task force will assess impacts on safety, rights, and outcomes in these cases. This resolution does not create new law but directs a study to inform future policy on legal access in domestic violence proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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

A 3650: Creates behavioral health court pilot program.

This bill (A 3650) creates a behavioral health court pilot program in New Jersey, allowing courts to place eligible defendants in treatment instead of jail. It directly affects individuals convicted of non-violent offenses who need behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse treatment), meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g., no prior violent convictions, no firearm involvement, and a professional assessment confirming treatment need). Key mechanisms include court-ordered behavioral health special probation (1-3 years), mandatory treatment at licensed facilities, regular progress reporting by providers and probation departments, and consequences for violations (including potential probation revocation). The pilot would operate in at least two counties and five municipalities that apply to participate.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Firearms Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

A 1804: Requires court to provide certain defendants with referral for mental health and substance abuse evaluation.

This New Jersey bill (A 1804) requires courts to refer certain defendants to mental health and substance abuse evaluations as part of pretrial release decisions. It directly affects eligible defendants who are being considered for release before trial but have potential mental health or substance use needs. The key provision mandates that courts must provide these referrals when determining release conditions, ensuring defendants have access to treatment as part of their pretrial supervision. The bill amends existing pretrial release laws (P.L.2014, c.31) to integrate these evaluations into the court's decision-making process. This policy change focuses on connecting defendants with treatment resources while maintaining court safety and appearance requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3279: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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

A 2765: Requires certain law enforcement officers to complete human trafficking training.

This bill (A 2765) requires specific groups to complete human trafficking training as a condition of employment or licensing. Law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence or sexual assault cases must complete training developed by the Police Training Commission. Hotels/motels must provide one-time training to owners, operators, and staff (linked to license maintenance), while healthcare facility employees must complete similar training (tied to facility licensing). Judges and court staff must also complete awareness training on human trafficking impacts and victim rights. The bill mandates these trainings be reviewed every two years.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

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

A 3011: Prohibits the use of drones by law enforcement entities.

This bill prohibits New Jersey law enforcement agencies from using drones for surveillance or other law enforcement activities, affecting police departments and officers statewide. Exceptions include drone use authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for counter-terrorism threats or by the forest fire service for wildfire monitoring (with a 350-foot altitude limit). It also bans drones for enforcing building and land-use regulations under state codes. Violating the ban can lead to civil lawsuits and the exclusion of illegally gathered evidence in court.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing Emerging Technology

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

A 459: Establishes "Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program" for certain defendants.

This bill establishes a "Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program" to connect eligible pretrial defendants with community-based support services like substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and case management. It requires courts to consider these services as part of release conditions for defendants who qualify for pretrial release but need additional support to safely remain in the community. The program would be delivered through approved community providers and aims to reduce unnecessary detention while ensuring court appearance and public safety. The bill is pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

A 2506: Concerns consideration of factors by court at hearing for pretrial detention or violation of condition of pretrial release.

This New Jersey bill (A2506) amends pretrial detention rules to clarify what courts must consider when deciding whether to detain a defendant before trial. It specifies that courts may evaluate factors like the offense nature, defendant history (excluding certain marijuana violations), and risk assessment recommendations, but cannot revoke release for simple marijuana possession or distribution under specific laws. The bill also mandates longer mandatory detention periods (30-120 days) for repeated violations of release conditions and requires risk assessments within 48 hours of detention. It directly affects defendants facing pretrial detention hearings and courts making release decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy

All criminal justice bills