Criminal Justice

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

A 2052: Includes crime of creating false public alarms as form of bias intimidation.

New Jersey's bill A 2052 adds creating false public alarms (like fake bomb threats) to the list of acts that qualify as bias intimidation. This means intentionally causing false alarms to intimidate people based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics is now a separate offense. The bill removes a previously struck-down section of the law that focused on victims' perceptions rather than the perpetrator's intent. Convictions carry enhanced penalties compared to the underlying false alarm crime, with separate sentencing required for both the false alarm and bias intimidation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands bias intimidation protections by criminalizing false alarms targeting protected characteristics, strengthening civil rights enforcement in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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

A 1822: Revises penalty for underage gambling to be civil penalty; provides for all associated fines to be used for gambling addiction treatment.

This bill changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal charges to civil fines. It affects minors who gamble at casinos (under age 21), casino employees/licensees who allow underage gambling, and guardians who permit minors under their care to gamble. The bill imposes tiered civil penalties: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will fund gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs through the Department of Human Services, specifically supporting the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts underage gambling penalties from criminal to civil, funds addiction treatment - reducing criminalization and supporting rehabilitation in criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFines fund gambling addiction treatment, prevention, and education, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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

A 2295: Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act."

This bill (A2295) updates the definition of "health care professional" in New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to align with the definition in the existing "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." It specifically clarifies that the term includes licensed health care professionals, volunteers, supportive staff, and employees working at health care facilities during official duties - such as those providing direct patient care. The change ensures consistent legal protection for these workers when they are assaulted while performing their jobs. This is a definitional update, not a new penalty or policy.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies legal protections for healthcare workers under assault statute, aligning with existing protections to strengthen accountability and safety in criminal justice context.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies legal protections for healthcare workers under assault law, aligning definitions to ensure consistent safety measures for professionals providing patient care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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

A 2257: Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal identifying information of victim support advocates and victim support care providers.

This bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect victim support advocates and victim support care providers by prohibiting the online disclosure of their home addresses and unpublished phone numbers. It requires individuals or entities sharing such information online to remove it upon written notice from an authorized person (like a family member or legal representative). The law imposes criminal penalties for reckless or intentional violations but exempts news media from liability for past publications or directory listings where protection was requested. This directly affects victim support professionals by enhancing their privacy protections against online harassment risks.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects victim support advocates' privacy, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to enhance victim safety and support within the system.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProtects data privacy by prohibiting online disclosure of personal information (home addresses, phone numbers) of victim support providers, imposing penalties for violations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Online Safety

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

A 4467: Requires law enforcement officers to follow certain procedures when illegal drugs are suspected of being used in presence of children.

This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to follow specific procedures when a parent or guardian requests child removal from a home where illegal drugs are suspected to be used near the child. Officers must secure and remove the drugs as evidence, immediately refer the request to child protective services, ensure a prompt investigation, and coordinate with investigators. It directly affects children at risk of exposure to drug use, parents/guardians seeking protection, and law enforcement responding to such requests. The bill takes effect immediately and mandates coordination with the State Central Registry for child abuse/neglect investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates law enforcement procedures for child safety in drug cases, enhancing accountability through evidence handling and CPS referrals, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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

A 463: Requires New Jersey Law Revision Commission to identify statutes containing racially discriminatory language.

This bill requires New Jersey's Law Revision Commission to specifically identify statutes containing racially discriminatory language as part of its ongoing review of state laws. The Commission, already tasked with examining statutes for defects, redundancies, and outdated language, must now add racial discrimination to its review criteria. It will propose amendments or repeals for such statutes to the Legislature. This change directly affects the Commission's existing duties under state law, aiming to update the legal code to align with current standards of equality.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves racially discriminatory language from statutes, advancing civil rights and reducing systemic bias in criminal justice laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights

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

A 4291: Requires DOC to provide reunification therapy to inmates and immediate family members prior to inmate's release.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to offer reunification therapy sessions to inmates scheduled for release within six months, and to inform those with nine months until release about this option. The therapy sessions must involve the inmate participating virtually while immediate family members attend in person at approved locations like mental health provider offices or nonprofit reentry centers. If family members decline to participate, the DOC must still provide individual counseling to the inmate. The bill also mandates DOC to seek supplemental funding from private or federal sources and provide inmates with information about post-release support programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reunification therapy to aid post-release reintegration, reducing recidivism through family support - directly aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates DOC to provide mental health reunification therapy, expanding access to mental health services for inmates and families through approved providers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Mental Health

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

A 1817: Changes underage gambling from disorderly persons offense to civil penalty; provides for deposit of all associated fines to local public safety funds.

This bill (A 1817) changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal charges to civil fines. It affects minors who gamble (under 21), casino employees who allow it, and adults responsible for minors who gamble. Instead of facing criminal penalties (like a "disorderly persons offense"), offenders now face civil fines: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will be deposited into Atlantic City’s public safety services trust fund, to be used solely for public safety services. The change moves the issue from criminal to civil enforcement while directing funds to local public safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeConverts underage gambling from criminal offense to civil penalty, reducing criminalization and aligning with reform principles by avoiding criminal records for minors.95% confidence

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

A 1004: Imposes additional curriculum for Intoxicated Driving Program; requires participation by offenders convicted of, or initially charged with DWI.

This bill requires individuals convicted of or initially charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in New Jersey to complete a program at Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers, involving 12 to 48 hours of participation over two consecutive days. It mandates that offenders install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle to regain driving privileges, with the requirement to be met within a specified period after conviction. The bill sets penalties for first offenses based on blood alcohol concentration, including fines ranging from $250 to $500 and program participation, depending on the level of intoxication.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates DWI offender programs and ignition interlocks to reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of prevention and accountability.85% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3274: Establishes "Task Force on Scams and Fraud."

This bill establishes a 15-member "Task Force on Scams and Fraud" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study scams targeting residents - particularly seniors and vulnerable populations - review current fraud prevention efforts, and develop recommendations to improve coordination between government, law enforcement, and businesses. It must submit a final report with findings and suggestions to the Governor and Legislature within one year of formation, after which the task force will expire. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents by creating a structured process to address scam-related harms through a cross-sector working group.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates task force to study scams targeting seniors and improve fraud prevention coordination between law enforcement and government, strengthening criminal justice efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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