Criminal Justice (Corrections) in New Jersey

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

A 3452: Establishes criminal penalties for production, sale, and use of false COVID-19 vaccination verification card; requires AG to establish COVID-19 vaccination fraud prevention program.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 221: Provides criminal and civil penalties for predatory marketing of fentanyl to minors.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole

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

A 864: Classifies xylazine as Schedule III controlled dangerous substance under certain circumstances.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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

A 1392: Directs Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation for certain criminal contempt violations.

This bill (A 1392) requires New Jersey's Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer and are charged with contempt for violating specific domestic violence protection orders under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. It directly affects indigent defendants facing contempt charges related to orders prohibiting contact, threats, or violence, but excludes violations of orders about parenting time, financial payments, counseling, or housing. The law expands existing public defender duties to cover these contempt cases, which could lead to jail time or significant penalties if convicted. This implements a 2023 criminal justice committee recommendation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence

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

A 3368: Requires State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to inmate or other party.

This bill requires New Jersey's State and private correctional facilities to allow inmates to make telephone and video calls at no cost to either the inmate or the recipient. It amends existing law to eliminate all charges, including per-minute fees, surcharges, or account maintenance costs, while still requiring facilities to contract with phone service providers following state procurement rules. The bill specifically prohibits facilities from accepting commissions or imposing additional fees beyond the provider's base rate, ensuring calls remain free for both parties. It applies to all State and private facilities (county facilities are addressed separately in the current law) and includes provisions for international calls at no charge for inmates in these facilities. The policy change directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families by removing financial barriers to communication.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 326: "Stolen Vehicle Possession Accountability Act"; increases penalties for adult and juvenile repeat offenses of receiving stolen motor vehicle.

This bill (A 326) increases penalties for repeat offenders who receive stolen vehicles in New Jersey. It makes knowingly possessing a stolen car a second-degree crime if someone has two prior convictions within 15 years (previously dependent on vehicle value), and mandates a minimum parole ineligibility period for adults. For juveniles with two prior offenses, it allows courts to waive them to adult court, imposing up to 10 years in prison. The bill directly affects repeat offenders and aims to strengthen sentencing for vehicle theft crimes. (Note: Bill introduced January 2026, pending committee review.)

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Juvenile Justice

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

A 748: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing qualified ex-offenders.

This bill provides New Jersey businesses with tax credits for hiring qualified ex-offenders. Specifically, it allows a 15% credit against corporation business tax and gross income tax for wages paid to eligible individuals, capped at $900 per employee per year. A "qualified ex-offender" is defined as someone convicted of a first-, second-, third-, or fourth-degree crime in New Jersey who was hired within one year of conviction or release from incarceration. The credit cannot exceed 50% of the tax liability and may be carried forward if unused in the current year.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Corrections

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3617: Authorizes State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access certain crime scenes and evidence.

This bill authorizes all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access crime scenes and evidence under their agency's jurisdiction. It prohibits anyone - including federal officers - from blocking officers from these locations, treating such obstruction as a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law requires the Attorney General to issue implementation guidelines and takes effect four months after enactment. It directly affects law enforcement access to evidence during investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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

A 3306: Establishes suspension of collection of motor vehicle surcharges for certain incarcerated persons.

This bill suspends the collection of motor vehicle surcharges for individuals incarcerated for more than 90 days during the three-year period when surcharges are typically assessed. It directly affects drivers convicted of certain traffic offenses who are imprisoned for extended periods, including those incarcerated for 90+ days while surcharges are due. The key provision requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to automatically halt surcharge collection during incarceration and for at least 90 days after release. This change modifies existing collection rules without altering surcharge amounts or eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

All criminal justice bills