Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence) in New Jersey

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 5155: Requires expedited compliance with certain search warrants in domestic violence and stalking investigations.

This bill amends New Jersey's existing laws regarding search warrants in domestic violence and stalking cases to require law enforcement to act more quickly when executing them. It specifically updates legal definitions for terms like "wire communication," "electronic communication," and "in-progress trace" to ensure clarity during investigations. The changes aim to streamline the process for police officers and prosecutors who handle these specific types of crimes, while maintaining the legal framework for intercepting communications.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5040: 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 give victims of domestic violence a free, wallet-sized card that summarizes their restraining order details. The card is designed to help victims quickly show law enforcement and other authorities the protections they have when they are in danger. Courts must issue these cards within ten business days of finalizing a restraining order, and the card itself does not replace the legal order but serves as a convenient reference. The legislation also updates the state's central registry rules to allow the Hope Card information to be shared with authorized agencies for safety investigations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Appropriations Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5189: Eliminates presumption of pretrial release when defendant is charged with contempt of domestic violence restraining order.

This bill modifies New Jersey's pretrial release laws to remove the automatic presumption of release for individuals charged with contempt of a domestic violence restraining order. Under the new rules, judges will no longer be required to release these defendants on their own recognizance or an unsecured bond simply because they meet standard safety criteria. Instead, courts must evaluate each case individually to determine if release conditions can reasonably ensure the defendant's appearance in court and the safety of others. This change directly affects defendants facing contempt charges for violating domestic violence orders, requiring a more deliberate assessment of their risk before granting freedom pending trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4074: Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction.

This bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components when issuing domestic violence restraining orders or following certain firearm-related convictions. The legislation directly impacts individuals subject to these legal orders by mandating the removal of their remaining ammunition and parts to prevent future access to weapons. Key provisions define terms like "firearm" and "destructive device" while establishing the legal framework for confiscating these items during court proceedings. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that ammunition and critical parts are taken away whenever a person is legally restricted from owning a firearm.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 4835: Permits pretrial detention for contempt violation of protective order issued under "Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act."

This bill allows prosecutors to request pretrial detention for defendants who violate protective orders issued under the Victim's Assistance and Survivor Protection Act. It amends existing New Jersey law by adding contempt of such protective orders as a specific ground for holding a defendant in jail before their trial. The legislation establishes a legal presumption that defendants accused of serious crimes should be detained if a judge finds probable cause that they pose a risk to public safety or will not appear in court. While detained, defendants retain the right to legal representation and a hearing to contest the detention, though standard trial evidence rules do not apply during this process.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4725: Establishes alternative pathway for victims of domestic violence to obtain certain identification cards and licenses from MVC.

This bill creates an alternative process for victims of domestic violence in New Jersey to obtain driver's licenses or identification cards from the Motor Vehicle Commission without providing standard proof of identity or residence. Instead of traditional documents, applicants can submit medical records, court papers, police reports, or certifications from licensed social workers or domestic violence service providers to verify their situation. The Motor Vehicle Commission will verify these documents and may issue temporary licenses valid for up to 12 months while authentication is completed. The bill also requires staff to receive trauma-informed training and mandates annual reporting on how many licenses are issued through this new process, while protecting the privacy of the sensitive documentation submitted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Policing

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 11, 2026

A 4542: Makes it fourth degree crime to engage in certain tracking and location activities.

This bill makes it a fourth-degree crime to knowingly install or use electronic tracking devices or applications to monitor another person's location when doing so is intended to start or help commit an illegal act. It directly affects individuals who use GPS trackers, spyware, or similar technology to surveil others without permission, with exceptions for parents tracking minors, employers monitoring work-related vehicles, and situations involving consent or health safety concerns. The law requires written consent for tracking and automatically revokes that consent if a divorce or restraining order is filed, while also excluding government agencies from these restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4006: Expands the domestic violence statutes to encompass minors aged 16 and older.

This bill expands New Jersey's domestic violence protections to include minors aged 16 and older, allowing them to be both victims and defendants under the state's domestic violence statutes. The key provision amends existing laws to define "victim of domestic violence" to include anyone 16 or older, while maintaining that acts by unemancipated minors under 16 do not constitute domestic violence. Under this change, individuals aged 16 and up could seek restraining orders against abusive partners, and those same individuals could be subject to such orders if they commit domestic violence against others. The law applies retroactively to all acts of domestic violence committed on or after the effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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

A 2008: Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction.

This bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and certain firearm components from individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders or convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey. The legislation directly affects people who have been legally restricted due to domestic violence charges or court orders by mandating the removal of their ammunition and specific firearm parts. Key provisions include expanding the definition of "firearm" to cover air guns and spring guns, clarifying definitions for terms like "destructive device" and "machine gun," and updating the legal framework for firearm regulations. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals with domestic violence convictions or restraining orders cannot access ammunition or modify their firearms. This change is part of broader amendments to New Jersey's statutory law regarding domestic violence and firearms.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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

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