Criminal Justice

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

A 2125: Expands categories of individuals who may bring a claim under wrongful imprisonment statute.

This bill (A 2125) expands New Jersey's wrongful imprisonment statute to include individuals mistakenly convicted of a crime and later civilly committed as a "sexually violent predator" under P.L.1998, c.71. It allows these claimants to sue the state for damages if they prove, by clear and convincing evidence, they did not commit the crime and did not cause their conviction through misconduct. Damages would be calculated as either twice their pre-incarceration income or $50,000 per year of imprisonment (plus $25,000 per year of post-release supervision), with possible non-monetary relief like vocational training. Claimants must file within two years of release, conviction vacating, or pardon. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee and has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands wrongful imprisonment claims to include civilly committed individuals, allowing compensation for state errors - aligns with civil rights protection and reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

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

A 3388: Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.

This New Jersey bill (A 3388) creates a legal presumption that custody of children should be awarded to a domestic violence victim in appropriate cases, shifting the default in family court custody decisions when abuse is proven. It requires courts to order counseling for children in households affected by domestic violence and mandates that victims and abusers be informed about available counseling services immediately upon filing a complaint. Key mechanisms include waiving residency requirements for filing complaints, streamlining emergency protective orders (including firearm safety measures), and ensuring courts provide clear information about services. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims, their children, and family court proceedings handling custody disputes involving abuse.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes presumption of custody to domestic violence victims and mandates counseling, directly protecting victims and addressing root causes of violence - aligning with criminal justice reform by enhancing safety and promoting rehabilitation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

Track

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

A 3702: Criminalizes owner or landlord knowingly renting dwelling to tenant that is illegal occupancy which causes serious bodily injury to or death of another person.

This New Jersey bill (A 3702) makes it a fourth-degree crime for a landlord or property owner to knowingly rent a dwelling that qualifies as "illegal occupancy" (violating housing codes, zoning, or health/safety regulations) when that rental causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. Landlords convicted face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill does not replace existing civil penalties for illegal occupancy but adds criminal liability specifically when harm occurs. It directly affects landlords who rent unsafe properties they knowingly allow to remain non-compliant.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal liability for landlords causing injury/death via illegal occupancy, imposing penalties to enhance public safety and accountability, aligning with criminal justice goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

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

A 1215: Expands crime of human trafficking to include individuals who benefit financially.

This bill expands New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who profit financially from trafficking schemes, even if they aren't organizers, supervisors, financiers, or managers. It directly affects people who receive money or other benefits from trafficking activities, such as business owners who exploit victims or third parties facilitating exploitation. The key change adds a new subsection defining human trafficking to cover "receiving anything of value" from trafficking, while maintaining a 20-year minimum prison term and requiring restitution to victims based on their labor value. This makes it a crime to profit from trafficking without needing to prove a formal leadership role in the scheme.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands human trafficking law to prosecute financial beneficiaries, strengthening enforcement against exploitation and closing loopholes in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill targets financial beneficiaries of human trafficking, directly protecting workers from exploitation and strengthening labor rights by criminalizing profit from forced labor schemes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

Track

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 75: Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry Week."

AJR 75 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" to raise public awareness about challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face, including finding housing, jobs, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. The resolution encourages state agencies, organizations, and the public to support reentry efforts through activities during this designated week. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing reentry support initiatives. This is a procedural resolution with no direct policy changes or new obligations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDesignates Reentry Week to promote awareness of reintegration challenges (housing, jobs, healthcare), aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism and support rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

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

A 677: Provides that crimes committed outside the State under certain circumstances may be prosecuted in New Jersey.

This bill amends New Jersey's sexual assault and endangering welfare of children laws to clarify when specific offenses apply and expand jurisdiction for certain cases. It adds new circumstances where sexual assault charges apply, such as when the victim is a minor under 16 with a perpetrator in a position of authority (e.g., school staff, guardians), or when the victim is incapacitated. The bill also specifies that assuming responsibility for a child's care in New Jersey constitutes a material element for jurisdiction in endangering welfare cases. It directly affects individuals committing sexual offenses against minors or vulnerable victims under these defined circumstances, and would change how such cases are prosecuted in New Jersey courts. The bill is pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands jurisdiction for sexual assault cases involving minors/incapacitated victims, strengthening victim protections under criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

Track

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

A 409: Establishes that final restraining order survives plaintiff's death where other persons are also protected; requires prosecutors to provide notice of defendant's release to other persons protected by order.

This bill (A 409) updates New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order laws. It ensures that a final restraining order continues to protect other people listed in the order - even if the original person who filed the order (the plaintiff) dies. The bill also requires prosecutors to notify all protected individuals (not just the original plaintiff) when a defendant charged with domestic violence is released from custody. These changes aim to strengthen ongoing safety protections for families and others covered by the order.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protections in domestic violence cases by ensuring restraining orders survive plaintiff's death and requiring prosecutor notifications to all protected parties, enhancing safety within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

Track

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

A 2211: Concerns juveniles charged with or adjudicated delinquent for certain firearms offenses.

This bill amends New Jersey's juvenile detention rules for cases involving specific firearms offenses. It requires courts to consider placement in a reengagement center - offering counseling, job training, and school support - instead of detention for juveniles charged with unlawful weapon possession (N.J.S.2C:39-5) or prohibited weapons (N.J.S.2C:39-3). The law applies directly to juveniles aged 11+ charged with these offenses, mandating parental/guardian written assurance for court appearances and prioritizing rehabilitation over detention. Courts must weigh factors like the juvenile's age and prior court compliance when deciding placements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReplaces juvenile detention with rehabilitation services (counseling, job training) for firearm offenses, aligning with reform goals to reduce recidivism and prioritize support over punishment.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates school support within reengagement centers for juveniles, promoting educational access and continuity for affected youth.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Juvenile Justice

Track

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

A 4260: Requires expunged records to be accessible for immigration purposes.

This bill requires New Jersey courts and agencies to make expunged criminal records available to individuals upon request for immigration or naturalization purposes. It directly affects noncitizens in New Jersey who have had criminal convictions expunged and need these records for U.S. immigration applications or citizenship processes. Under the bill, if a person with an expungement order requests records for immigration matters, the court or designated agency must provide the records to them or their representative, rather than stating "no record exists." This change ensures expunged records remain accessible for federal immigration requirements without requiring the individual to seek additional legal action.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables noncitizens with expunged records to access sealed records for immigration, reducing barriers to citizenship and aligning with criminal justice reform by protecting civil rights.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationMakes expunged records accessible for immigration applications, aiding noncitizens in meeting federal requirements without barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Citizenship & Naturalization Driver Licenses & IDs Immigrant Services

Track

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

A 699: Establishes bribery in official and political matters applies to person soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to accept benefit as consideration to act even though not yet in office or otherwise qualified to act.

This bill amends New Jersey's bribery statute to criminalize offering, accepting, or agreeing to accept benefits as consideration for future official actions - even before someone takes office. It directly affects candidates for public office and individuals seeking political positions, prohibiting them from soliciting or accepting benefits (like campaign contributions) in exchange for future decisions or favors. The law explicitly excludes general campaign activities, speeches, or lawful contributions under campaign finance laws, focusing only on direct quid pro quo arrangements. Violations are classified as second-degree crimes (up to 10 years in prison), or third-degree if the benefit is $200 or less.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens anti-corruption by criminalizing future bribery, preventing corruption that undermines criminal justice integrity and supports reform through enhanced system accountability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track