This bill creates a new fourth-degree crime for using GPS or location tracking devices to monitor a vehicle with the intent to commit an unlawful act (such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or vehicle theft). It directly affects individuals who misuse tracking technology to harass or threaten others. The key provision mandates a minimum 5-year prison sentence for this offense - replacing the standard penalty of up to 18 months - under New Jersey’s sentencing law for fourth-degree crimes. This change applies to any tracking device used with unlawful intent, regardless of the specific crime involved. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
This bill, introduced in New Jersey, requires health care professionals to provide the same standard of care to infants born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion as they would to any newborn. It defines "born alive" as any infant showing signs of life (breathing, heartbeat, or movement) after expulsion, regardless of gestational age or birth method. Violating these requirements could result in third-degree criminal charges (3-5 years in prison or $15,000 fine), while intentionally killing such an infant would be a 30-year-to-life offense. The bill also mandates reporting failures to comply and allows mothers to file civil lawsuits against violators. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Health Committee.
This bill allows prosecutors to request extended prison sentences for repeat offenders convicted of receiving stolen property. It applies to individuals with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime (or substantially equivalent offenses), provided the current offense occurred within 10 years of either their last prison release or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing where the defendant can challenge the evidence before imposing the extended term. This changes sentencing options for repeat property crime offenders by expanding eligibility for longer prison terms under specific prior conviction conditions.
This bill creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering a residence with intent to commit certain serious offenses (like robbery or violence) when others are present, carrying a mandatory 10-30 year prison sentence. It also upgrades residential burglaries to second-degree crimes when committed with aggravating factors like presence of occupants or weapons. Additionally, the bill requires juveniles accused of home invasion or carjacking to be tried in the county where the incident occurred, rather than their residence county. These changes directly affect individuals committing these offenses and juvenile court proceedings in New Jersey.
This bill requires New Jersey juvenile courts to consider the threat to public safety as a factor when sentencing juveniles convicted of motor vehicle theft or related crimes. It removes a previous exception that allowed for more lenient dispositions in these specific cases, meaning juveniles found guilty of such offenses must now face the full range of sentencing options. As a result, juveniles convicted of motor vehicle theft may face harsher penalties, such as incarceration, compared to before the bill. The bill also aims to increase penalties for adults convicted of similar crimes, but the adult provisions are not detailed in the provided text.
This New Jersey bill criminalizes the creation, sale, or use of fake COVID-19 vaccination verification cards. It imposes penalties including up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 fines for selling or making fake cards (second-degree crime), up to 5 years and $15,000 for displaying them (third-degree), and up to 18 months and $10,000 for possessing them (fourth-degree). The Attorney General must establish a fraud prevention program within 30 days, using confidential data from the state's immunization system solely to investigate fake card cases. The program targets individuals and businesses involved in producing or distributing counterfeit cards to falsely claim vaccination status.
This bill removes criminal liability for New Jersey law enforcement officers who interact with underage individuals regarding alcohol or cannabis possession, unless the officer intentionally discriminates based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. Currently, officers face criminal charges for such encounters regardless of intent, but this bill changes that by requiring proof of discriminatory purpose to trigger liability. Key provisions clarify that officers cannot be charged for routine actions like issuing warnings or conducting stops without reasonable suspicion - unless they act with discriminatory intent. The change directly affects officers responding to underage possession calls and the young people involved in these encounters.
This bill creates a new criminal offense for marketing fentanyl in ways specifically designed to appeal to minors, targeting manufacturers, distributors, or sellers. It prohibits tactics like packaging resembling candy, food, or popular characters, using minor-targeted advertising, or violating FDA/DEA packaging rules. Violators face a minimum 30-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility, and prior fentanyl distribution convictions create a strong presumption of guilt. The law directly affects businesses or individuals distributing fentanyl with marketing strategies targeting youth, aiming to deter such practices through severe penalties.
This New Jersey bill (A 864) classifies xylazine - a sedative often misused in illicit drug mixtures - as a Schedule III controlled substance under state law, except when used by veterinarians for animal treatment. Schedule III means it has accepted medical use but potential for abuse leading to moderate dependence, subjecting unauthorized use to criminal penalties. Specifically, illegal possession, distribution, or use of xylazine would be a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $35,000, with enhanced penalties near schools or for distributing to minors. The bill directly affects individuals misusing xylazine (including in human drug use) and law enforcement, while exempting veterinary medical use.
This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption requiring courts to detain individuals charged with motor vehicle theft (N.J.S.2C:20-2) before trial, unless the defendant proves they pose no flight risk or danger to the community. It directly affects defendants charged with stealing cars in New Jersey, shifting the burden to them to challenge the presumption of detention. Key mechanisms include: prosecutors automatically triggering the presumption for motor vehicle theft charges, a court hearing where defendants must rebut the presumption, and expedited appeals for detention orders. The bill does not address sentencing but focuses solely on pretrial detention requirements for this specific offense. (Note: This is a proposed bill introduced January 2026; it has not yet been enacted.)
