Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4274: Directs referral of certain persons under 18 for determination of status as socially or economically disadvantaged youth.

This bill amends New Jersey's prostitution statute (N.J.S.2C:34-1) to strengthen penalties for crimes involving minors under 18. It specifically makes promoting prostitution of a child under 18 a first-degree crime and engaging in prostitution with a minor a second-degree crime, with no defense allowed for mistakenly believing the minor was 18 or older. The law directly affects individuals who exploit children in prostitution by eliminating a common defense used in court. It aims to provide clearer legal protection for minors through stricter criminal penalties, without including provisions for referrals or social services as suggested by the bill's title.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens penalties for child exploitation in prostitution, eliminates defenses, and protects minors - aligns with criminal justice reform to enhance victim protection and accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking

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

A 3444: Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.

New Jersey's proposed Bill A 3444 requires all correctional police officers in state prisons to wear body cameras during most duties, with limited exceptions (such as restroom use, medical appointments, or strip searches). It also mandates security camera systems in correctional facilities. Recordings must be retained for a minimum of 180 days, with extended retention (up to three years) if a complaint is filed, an officer requests it for evidentiary value, or the footage relates to an investigation. The bill applies directly to correctional officers and facilities, aiming to document officer activities and incidents like use of force or disciplinary actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates body cameras for correctional officers and security systems, enhancing accountability in prisons - a key criminal justice reform measure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3547: Requires DOLWD and DHS to conduct assessment of community rehabilitation programs and community businesses.

S 3547 requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct case-by-case assessments of employment opportunities provided by community rehabilitation programs and businesses. These assessments determine if jobs - such as those in work crews, call centers, or AbilityOne contracts - meet federal standards for integrated and competitive work, which is important for individuals with disabilities seeking meaningful employment. The bill explicitly prohibits DOLWD and DHS from disqualifying such programs solely because they operate under AbilityOne contracts or the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act. This applies to all employment options where individuals with disabilities have applied for positions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires assessments of rehab programs to ensure jobs meet federal standards, improving employment opportunities for disabled individuals - a key component of criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires assessments to ensure jobs meet federal integrated work standards for individuals with disabilities, advancing meaningful employment opportunities and protecting workers' rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4436: Expands "Daniel's Law" protections; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

This bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect the home addresses and unpublished phone numbers of public officials - including judges, law enforcement officers, child protective investigators, legislators, prosecutors, and their immediate family members. It requires the Office of Information Privacy to establish a portal where authorized individuals (like family members or legal representatives) can request that private businesses stop disclosing this information online. Private entities that fail to comply face criminal penalties: reckless violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes, while intentional violations are third-degree crimes. The law aims to prevent harassment and safety risks by restricting the online sharing of sensitive personal contact details.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects law enforcement officers' personal information, enhancing safety and privacy within law enforcement - a core criminal justice component.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands data privacy protections by requiring private entities to cease disclosing personal information of officials, establishing penalties for non-compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Data Privacy

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 24, 2026

A 4470: "Video Game Marketplace Child Protection and Anti-Trafficking Act," creates new penalties for non-reporting of suspected human trafficking through video game marketplaces.

This New Jersey bill (A4470) requires video game marketplaces to report suspected human trafficking to authorities. It directly affects operators of platforms where users buy/sell in-game items, adding a new legal obligation to report trafficking activity occurring through these services. Violating this reporting requirement carries penalties including fines of $100,000-$500,000 and prison sentences of 20 years or more. The law amends existing human trafficking statutes to explicitly include exploitation via video game marketplaces as a covered offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires video game platforms to report human trafficking, strengthening enforcement under criminal justice statutes via new reporting obligations and penalties.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4285: Requires notification to appropriate departments if drug court participant tests positive for marijuana or cannabis.

Bill A4285 requires drug court programs in New Jersey to notify state departments if a participant tests positive for marijuana or cannabis. It directly affects individuals enrolled in drug court programs under special probation for substance use disorder. The key provision adds a mandatory reporting requirement to ensure relevant departments are informed of positive test results during treatment. This change updates existing rehabilitation program rules to address marijuana use without altering treatment eligibility or requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reporting for drug court participants to enhance rehabilitation oversight, supporting reform by improving program accountability without restricting access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

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

A 934: Requires DCA, in consultation with Commission on Human Trafficking, to establish Statewide initiative for Red Sand Project.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to create a statewide initiative for the Red Sand Project, aligning with January (Human Trafficking Prevention Month). The initiative must be developed in consultation with the newly established Commission on Human Trafficking, which evaluates trafficking laws and victim services. Funding for the project may come from the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund, as authorized by the Attorney General. The bill directly affects state agencies and victim support programs by formalizing a coordinated awareness effort.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes anti-trafficking initiative with victim services focus, aligning with criminal justice reform through prevention and survivor support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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

A 3322: "Homeless Bill of Rights."

New Jersey's A-3322, the "Homeless Bill of Rights," prohibits discrimination against homeless residents in public spaces, services, employment, healthcare, voting, and privacy. It guarantees homeless individuals the same rights as other residents, including free movement in public areas, equal treatment by government agencies, protection from employment discrimination due to lack of permanent address, access to emergency medical care, and confidentiality of shelter records. The bill allows individuals to sue for violations and seek court-ordered remedies, damages, and attorney fees. It directly affects all homeless residents in New Jersey by legally protecting their access to public life and services without housing status discrimination.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects homeless individuals' civil rights and prevents discrimination in public spaces, reducing criminalization of homelessness - a key criminal justice reform goal.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees homeless individuals access to emergency medical care and prohibits healthcare discrimination, directly advancing patient access and rights per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits discrimination against homeless residents in housing-related services, guarantees equal access to public spaces/services, and directly addresses homelessness through anti-discrimination protections.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employment discrimination against homeless individuals due to lack of permanent address, directly protecting workers' rights in hiring and workplace treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Homelessness Tenant Rights Employment Discrimination

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4374: Requires, or authorizes, as appropriate, financial institutions to take certain action upon certain financial transactions made by vulnerable or senior customer.

This bill requires New Jersey financial institutions to take specific actions to protect vulnerable adults (18+ with physical/mental limitations affecting financial decisions) and senior customers (60+ years). Financial institutions must release customer account records to law enforcement or adult protective services if they suspect exploitation involving these customers, and they may delay transactions they reasonably believe could lead to financial exploitation. Institutions must notify affected parties within two business days of delaying a transaction, unless the party is suspected of exploitation. The law directly affects banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions operating in New Jersey, aiming to prevent financial abuse of vulnerable populations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires financial institutions to notify law enforcement of suspected exploitation of vulnerable/senior customers, enhancing criminal justice response to financial crimes against protected groups.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4256: Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

Bill A4256 requires courts to provide licensed social workers who speak a party’s language to assist limited English proficient individuals navigating court proceedings. This applies specifically to parties already using court translation services. The state would create a registry of approved social workers through the Commissioner of Human Services and the Administrative Director of the Courts. The bill takes effect seven months after enactment, establishing a formal process for this support service.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures LEP individuals receive language-access support via social workers, promoting fair court participation and civil rights protections in criminal proceedings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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