Criminal Justice in New Jersey

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

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3926: Requires lobby security for certain senior citizen high-rise buildings in areas with high violent crime rates.

This bill requires lobby security in certain senior citizen high-rise buildings located in areas with high violent crime rates. It amends existing state laws to mandate that building safety regulations include provisions for securing lobbies and interior common areas. The legislation applies specifically to multiple dwellings housing senior citizens and would require building managers to implement security measures in these designated areas. This change aims to enhance physical safety for elderly residents by addressing security concerns in high-risk locations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3747: Requires State Police to develop public database of criminally charged or convicted undocumented immigrants.

This bill, known as the Right to Know Act, requires New Jersey State Police to create and maintain a public database of undocumented immigrants who have been criminally charged or convicted and are currently in state, county, or municipal correctional facilities. The database would include each person's photograph, the specific crime they were charged with or convicted of, and the location and date of their release from custody. The legislation directly affects undocumented immigrants in the state's correctional system and the public who would have access to this information. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and aims to increase transparency regarding criminal justice involvement among undocumented individuals in New Jersey.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Policing Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4551: Requires revocation of parole for assaulting or threatening law enforcement officers.

This bill requires the immediate revocation of parole for any parolee who assaults or threatens a law enforcement officer, including retired officers acting in their former capacity. It mandates that parole boards detain offenders and begin revocation proceedings upon arrest or indictment for such acts, or upon credible reports of threats intended to cause imminent fear of death or physical harm to officers or their family members. The legislation applies to both active and retired law enforcement personnel and defines family members to include spouses, parents, children, and other relatives residing with the officer.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3753: Requires State Police to establish community policing unit.

This bill requires the New Jersey State Police to create a new community policing unit designed to build trust and transparency with local communities. The unit would work with residents, local agencies, and community groups to address crime and quality-of-life issues, while also implementing recruitment practices to increase diversity among State Police officers. It mandates biennial training for all State troopers on inclusive communities and sets minimum annual hours for community engagement activities. Additionally, the State Police Superintendent must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and Legislature summarizing the unit's activities.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3823: Requires institution of higher education to provide victim-centered training to employees who assist student victims of sexual assault.

This bill requires New Jersey institutions of higher education to provide annual victim-centered training to employees and student staff who assist students reporting sexual assault. The training targets employees involved in receiving reports, providing services, conducting disciplinary proceedings, residence-life advisors, peer advisors, and campus security personnel. Key provisions mandate that training covers institutional policies, relevant state and federal laws, coordinated response roles, victim assistance, and compassionate communication techniques. The legislation defines a victim-centered response as a systematic focus on victim needs that ensures compassionate, nonjudgmental service delivery while maintaining safety and privacy. This requirement takes effect immediately and applies to the academic year following the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Higher Education

All criminal justice bills