Criminal Justice in New Jersey

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Courts

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

A 4431: Upgrades crime of stalking when victim is less than 18 years old.

This bill (A4431) upgrades the offense of stalking when the victim is under 18 years old from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who stalk minors, increasing penalties to a maximum of 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine for such offenses. The key provision amends New Jersey's stalking statute (P.L.1992, c.209) to specify that stalking a minor automatically elevates the charge to third degree, regardless of prior offenses. This change applies immediately upon enactment, without requiring additional court orders or prior convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

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

A 281: Authorizes creation of Domestic Violence Awareness license plates.

This bill allows New Jersey residents to apply for special license plates featuring a purple ribbon and the phrase "Domestic Violence Awareness" on their vehicles. Vehicle owners would pay a one-time $50 application fee and an annual $10 fee, with the collected funds (after covering administrative costs) deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Children and Families, provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations supporting domestic violence victims. The plates aim to raise public awareness while generating revenue specifically for victim services, with no state funds used for initial implementation costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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

A 213: Imposes criminal penalties for harboring aliens who have outstanding warrants and are unlawfully present in U.S.

This New Jersey bill (A 213) makes it a crime to knowingly hide undocumented immigrants who have outstanding arrest or immigration warrants. It imposes criminal penalties - up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine - for harboring such individuals, including family members like spouses or parents. The law also criminalizes hindering an immigrant’s deportation when the person knows a warrant exists. It includes an exception: undocumented immigrants who were victims of human trafficking during the time they avoided deportation may use this as a defense. The bill directly affects undocumented immigrants with active warrants and anyone providing them shelter.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Immigration

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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

A 2076: Permits DOC and DCF to award contracts for medical and dental services to vendors.

This bill transfers most facilities and programs from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to Rutgers, The State University, while requiring specific locations to remain in Newark and Middlesex County. It mandates that Rutgers maintain the public mission of UMDNJ, including existing contracts with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) for services like University Behavioral Healthcare. After current contracts expire, DOC and DCF may award new medical/dental service contracts to vendors offering the most advantageous proposals to the state. The transfer requires accreditation approval but does not change current service delivery or public employee staffing.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 4386: Permits fair share affordable housing bonus credit for certain transitional housing reserved for occupancy by veterans.

This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to earn bonus credits toward their affordable housing requirements by including transitional housing reserved for veterans. Specifically, municipalities receive one credit and one bonus credit for each bedroom in such housing occupied by low- or moderate-income veterans for at least 10 years. Transitional housing is defined as housing with supportive services helping homeless veterans move to permanent housing within 24 months. The bill applies to veterans discharged from active military service (excluding certain court-martial discharges) who are New Jersey residents. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Courts Affordable Housing Homelessness Veteran Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3375: Establishes penalties for harassment and assault of athletes under certain circumstances.

This bill amends New Jersey's harassment law to specifically target harassment of athletes during sports events when tied to gambling outcomes. It creates two new offenses: a fourth-degree crime for harassment related to gambling losses (both illegal and legal sports betting) during events, and a third-degree crime if the victim is a student athlete (high school or college). The key consequence is a lifetime ban from all online and in-person sports betting for anyone convicted of a second harassment offense under this provision, or for assault cases linked to such harassment. It directly affects athletes participating in sanctioned events and individuals who harass them over gambling-related losses.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3344: Upgrades crime of invasion of privacy under certain circumstances; eliminates presumption of nonimprisonment.

This bill (S 3344) upgrades New Jersey's invasion of privacy laws by increasing penalties for non-consensual recording of intimate acts or exposed body parts. It reclassifies certain offenses from fourth or third degree to second degree crimes, meaning judges can now impose jail sentences instead of mandatory non-imprisonment. The law specifically targets recording others without consent in private settings (like dressing rooms) or disclosing such recordings, with penalties including fines up to $30,000. It applies directly to individuals who commit these acts, removing previous restrictions that limited sentencing options for these violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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

A 4371: Establishes crime of gang shoplifting.

This bill creates a new crime called "gang shoplifting" for coordinated thefts by groups. It defines the offense as when two or more people enter a store together and openly take items (without paying full price) or tamper with property to cause harm or damage. The law makes gang shoplifting a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines, with a mandatory minimum 1-year prison term during which offenders cannot seek parole. It directly affects individuals participating in organized retail thefts, such as flash mobs, by imposing stricter penalties than standard shoplifting. The bill specifically targets open, group-based thefts that disrupt businesses and endanger public safety.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

All criminal justice bills