This bill establishes a 5-year pilot program in Paterson, New Jersey, allowing certain job seekers with expunged records to avoid disclosing minor offenses during employment applications for municipal court, law enforcement, or corrections roles. It specifically exempts from disclosure records related to arrests/charges dismissed without conviction or minor convictions (like disorderly conduct), but requires disclosure for serious crime convictions. Court directors, administrators, and deputy administrators remain subject to existing disclosure rules. The city must report to the governor and legislature after 5 years on whether to continue, modify, or expand the program.
This bill (S 197) expands pretrial detention authority for defendants who violate protective orders issued under New Jersey's "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act." It specifically allows prosecutors to seek pretrial detention for contempt violations related to protective orders in cases involving domestic violence, crimes against minors, human trafficking, or endangering a child's welfare. Key mechanisms include requiring a court hearing within three business days of a prosecutor's motion, establishing a rebuttable presumption of detention for certain violations (like domestic violence), and mandating that courts consider whether any release conditions could ensure court appearance and community safety. The bill directly affects defendants accused of violating protective orders in these specific victim-sensitive cases, altering the process for determining pretrial release.
S 1210 protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking from housing discrimination by prohibiting landlords from terminating tenancies, refusing lease renewals, or denying rentals based on their victim status. Landlords must accept documentation like restraining orders, medical records, or certifications from domestic violence specialists to verify a tenant’s status. Victims can sue landlords who violate this law for damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies broadly to residential rentals but does not prevent evictions for other valid reasons, such as unpaid rent or property damage.
This bill (S 77) expands New Jersey's stalking protection law to allow **any alleged victim of stalking**, regardless of age or mental capacity, to directly apply for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the alleged stalker. Currently, only specific groups (children under 18, developmentally disabled individuals, or adults with mental disabilities that impair understanding) could have a parent or guardian file for a TRO. The bill removes this limitation, enabling all victims to seek emergency TROs without waiting for a criminal conviction, with a court hearing required within 10 days to determine if the order should continue. The standard for continuing the TRO is a "preponderance of evidence," not criminal guilt, and the order remains in effect until the defendant is convicted or the victim requests dismissal.
S 1109 requires all New Jersey judges and court staff to complete a minimum of three hours of annual training on handling domestic violence and sexual assault cases. At least 1.5 hours must cover sexual violence topics like survivor impact, risk factors, and legal standards. This applies to judges at all levels - including municipal courts - which previously had no minimum training requirement. The bill mandates training content on case procedures, protection orders, community resources, and dynamics of both domestic violence and sexual offenses. It amends existing law to establish these specific requirements, ensuring consistent education for judicial personnel statewide.
This bill updates New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order laws. It ensures that a restraining order remains effective even if the person who filed it (the plaintiff) dies, continuing protection for others named in the order. Prosecutors must also notify all protected individuals when a defendant charged with domestic violence is released from custody. These changes directly affect domestic violence victims, their families, and law enforcement handling these cases. The law aims to maintain safety protections without requiring new court proceedings after a plaintiff's death.
This bill (S 1439) would require a drunk driver convicted of causing a fatal accident to pay financial restitution directly to a minor child if the victim was the child’s parent or guardian. Specifically, it adds a new provision to New Jersey’s vehicular homicide law, mandating that drivers violating DUI laws (N.J.S. 39:4-50) must cover the child’s losses through court-ordered restitution - on top of existing criminal penalties and other restitution. The bill applies only to cases where the driver was intoxicated at the time of the fatal crash and the deceased was the child’s legal guardian. It is currently pending in the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee.
S 1651 requires New Jersey courts to advise domestic violence victims about counseling services for children exposed to violence in their households. It establishes a legal presumption that custody should be awarded to the domestic violence victim in appropriate cases, shifting the default in custody decisions. Key mechanisms include mandating court referrals to counseling services for affected children and requiring judges to consider the victim's safety when making custody rulings. The bill amends existing domestic violence procedures (P.L.1991, c.261) to prioritize victim safety and child well-being without adding new criminal penalties.
This bill proposes a four-year pilot program in Ocean County (or another county designated by the Attorney General) to monitor certain domestic violence offenders using electronic tracking devices. It would require court-ordered electronic monitoring only with the victim's informed consent, applying to offenders convicted of violating domestic violence restraining orders. Key provisions include court evaluations of risk factors (like prior violence or weapon access), mandatory victim notification, a $250 monitoring fee (waivable for financial hardship), and $2.5 million in state funding. The program would mandate compliance with national technology standards and establish procedures for handling device tampering or noncompliance.
This New Jersey bill (S 2665) changes how driver's licenses can be suspended for unpaid child support. It requires the Probation Division to send written notice (via certified mail) to individuals owing six months of child support or failing to provide court-ordered health coverage, giving them 30 days to pay or provide proof before license suspension. The bill adds a requirement for a hearing if the person requests one within 45 days, and explicitly removes license suspension as a penalty for other unpaid financial obligations like fines or restitution. It directly affects people with outstanding child support arrearages who fail to respond to notice.
