Criminal Justice in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3996: Requires New Jersey Supreme Court to issue order dismissing certain charges, complaints, and arrest warrants filed with or issued by municipal courts and unresolved for five years or more; requires AOC to conduct certain studies.

This bill requires the New Jersey Supreme Court to dismiss unresolved charges, complaints, and arrest warrants from municipal courts that have been pending for five years or more, specifically targeting minor offenses like petty disorderly conduct, simple assault in mutual fights, shoplifting under $200, and possession of small amounts of marijuana. The law excludes municipal ordinance violations and mandates that the Administrative Office of the Courts conduct studies within six months to explore expanding existing dismissal programs and implementing a voluntary surrender initiative similar to federal models. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment and aims to clear older cases from the court system while maintaining the distinction between serious indictable offenses and lesser municipal court matters.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3859: "Stolen Vehicle Possession Accountability Act"; increases penalties for adult and juvenile repeat offenses of receiving stolen motor vehicle.

This bill increases penalties for repeat offenders who receive stolen motor vehicles in New Jersey by raising the severity of charges and imposing stricter sentencing requirements. It directly affects both adults and juveniles who have been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for receiving stolen vehicles on two or more separate occasions within a 15-year period. Under the new provisions, such repeat offenders would face mandatory minimum sentences that include parole ineligibility, and courts would be required to impose extended terms of imprisonment upon prosecutor request if the prior convictions meet specific criteria. The legislation also clarifies circumstances under which knowledge of a vehicle being stolen can be legally inferred, including situations involving multiple vehicles, recent prior transactions, or lack of proper documentation.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Juvenile Justice Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 91: Urges Congress to propose amendment to United States Constitution to prohibit use of slavery or indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crime.

This New Jersey Senate Resolution urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would ban the use of slavery and indentured servitude for individuals convicted of crimes. The bill directly addresses the legal exception in the Thirteenth Amendment that currently permits forced labor as punishment for criminal convictions. By calling for a constitutional change, the resolution seeks to eliminate the practice of unpaid or low-wage prison labor and prevent private correctional facilities from profiting from incarcerated workers. The measure would require federal action to remove the loophole that allows slavery and indentured servitude in the criminal justice system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3891: "Video Game Marketplace Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Act," creates new penalties for non-reporting of suspected human trafficking through video game marketplaces.

This bill introduces stricter penalties for human trafficking that occurs through video game marketplaces and online gaming platforms in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who facilitate or participate in trafficking schemes using digital gaming environments, including those who recruit, transport, or exploit victims through these channels. The key provision adds a specific category of human trafficking offenses related to internet and gaming platforms, classifying them as first-degree crimes with mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years without parole eligibility and substantial fines ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The legislation also requires restitution to victims based on the value of their labor or services, with funds directed to a survivor assistance fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3799: Requires AG to establish public awareness campaign concerning Crime Victim's Bill of Rights and VCCO.

This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to launch a public awareness campaign about the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights and the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. The campaign will focus on educating the public about victim rights and explaining how to access compensation services, including details on eligible crimes, required documents, and filing deadlines. It also mandates training for relevant agencies and organizations to better inform the community. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3946: Expands criminal and civil penalties for human trafficking, and expands human trafficking training requirements for law enforcement. *

This bill expands protections for victims of human trafficking and other sexual crimes by removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses. It establishes specialized human trafficking response teams and increases training requirements for professionals who may encounter trafficking situations. The legislation also appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to allow victims to testify via closed-circuit television in court to reduce trauma during legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4005: Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000.

This bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to explicitly include Sikhs as a protected class, allowing law enforcement to prosecute hate crimes targeting individuals based on their Sikh identity. The legislation also appropriates $100,000 in funding, likely to support enforcement and community outreach efforts. By adding Sikhs to the state's existing bias intimidation protections, the bill aims to address incidents of discrimination and violence against Sikhs, who are often mistaken for Muslims and have faced increased hate crimes following the September 11 attacks. The measure reflects concerns about rising anti-Sikh prejudice and the need for legal safeguards for this community within New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

A 4796: Expands crime of human trafficking and eliminates statute of limitations; establishes human trafficking response teams; expands human trafficking training and education requirements; appropriates $1 million to Commission on Human Trafficking.

This bill expands the definition of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey and removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses, allowing authorities to pursue cases regardless of how much time has passed. It also creates specialized human trafficking response teams to coordinate investigations and support services, while increasing training and education requirements for law enforcement and related professionals. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to fund these initiatives and improve victim support systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 3922: Establishes Hope Card Program to provide victims of domestic violence with restraining order quick reference wallet card; makes appropriation.

This bill creates the Hope Card Program in New Jersey to provide victims of domestic violence with a free, wallet-sized card containing essential information about their restraining orders. The program will be administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts, which must issue these cards within 10 business days of a final restraining order and maintain them online and in printed form at all Superior Courts. Courts will update the central registry to allow protected individuals to access their records through the Hope Card, while law enforcement and other agencies must verify card information against the registry when investigating domestic violence cases. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify who can access domestic violence registry records and establishes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of this confidential information.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3909: Establishes a Division on Violence Prevention and Intervention in the DLPS.

This bill creates a new Division on Violence Prevention and Intervention within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to coordinate violence prevention resources across all counties. The division will be led by a director appointed by the Attorney General who can secure federal and private funding, while each county must appoint a coordinator to map existing services, develop prevention programs, and connect community volunteers and mentors. Key responsibilities include identifying community spaces for prevention activities, fostering collaboration among agencies addressing homicide, suicide, and youth violence, and supporting reentry programs for ex-offenders. The legislation also authorizes annual state funding for the director and county coordinators to implement these initiatives.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Violent Crime

All criminal justice bills