Criminal Justice (Courts) in New Jersey

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 3946: Expands criminal and civil penalties for human trafficking, and expands human trafficking training requirements for law enforcement. *

This bill expands protections for victims of human trafficking and other sexual crimes by removing the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses. It establishes specialized human trafficking response teams and increases training requirements for professionals who may encounter trafficking situations. The legislation also appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to allow victims to testify via closed-circuit television in court to reduce trauma during legal proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3906: 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.

This bill allows parties in New Jersey court cases who have limited English proficiency and use court translation services to receive help from a licensed social worker who speaks their language. The social worker would assist in translating information and helping the party navigate the court system. The Commissioner of Human Services must create a list of qualified social workers, and the Administrative Director of the Courts will establish a registry and guidelines for their use. This change takes effect seven months after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3842: Eliminates presumption of pretrial release for defendants charged with repeat home invasion offenses.

This bill removes the automatic right to pretrial release for defendants charged with repeat home invasion offenses in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals accused of burglary or home invasion who have prior arrests or convictions for similar crimes within the past 90 days. Under the new rules, judges will no longer presume these defendants should be released on their own recognizance and must instead evaluate whether release conditions can ensure their court appearance and community safety. The legislation allows courts to impose non-monetary restrictions such as avoiding contact with victims and witnesses, curfews, and regular check-ins with law enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 9, 2026

A 4522: Establishes presumption of knowledge that display of noose or Nazi or Confederate symbol would cause bias intimidation; enhances penalties.

This New Jersey bill amends bias intimidation law to establish that displaying a noose, Nazi symbol, or Confederate symbol during a crime allows a court to infer the perpetrator knew or should have known the display would intimidate based on race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics. It applies to any underlying offense (such as vandalism or assault) and treats these symbols as an aggravating factor, potentially leading to harsher penalties. The law directly affects individuals who commit crimes involving these symbols by making it easier to prove bias motivation in court. This change is based on documented historical uses of these symbols to intimidate and harm marginalized groups, as cited in the bill's findings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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

A 4191: Establishes third degree crime for certain trespasses involving victim of domestic violence.

This bill (A4191) raises the criminal penalty for trespassing into a domestic violence victim's home when a restraining order is in place. It makes such trespass a third-degree crime (carrying 3-5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine) if the person enters intending to cause injury or commit a crime. The law creates a rebuttable presumption of intent to harm if the perpetrator has a restraining order against them or has been charged in a domestic violence case. This directly affects domestic violence victims protected by court orders and perpetrators violating those orders. The key change is elevating the offense level and removing the presumption against incarceration for these specific violations.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

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

A 4351: Provides for restricted use driver's license as alternatives for license suspension in municipal court.

This bill allows individuals with suspended or revoked driver's licenses to apply to municipal courts for a restricted use license, primarily for employment or education travel. Courts must consider financial hardship and the risk of repeat offenses before approving, but those suspended for certain offenses (like DUI) are excluded. Approved licensees would receive a color-coded license and placard displayed on vehicles, permitting driving only between home, work, or school during specific hours, with a $100 fee max. The license expires when the regular license is restored after suspension ends.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Courts

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

A 4221: Permits court to order transfer of billing responsibility for, and rights to, wireless telephone number to certain victims of domestic violence or stalking.

This bill allows courts to transfer ownership of a wireless phone number and its billing responsibility to victims of domestic violence or stalking who are not the account holder. Upon a victim's request and after a final restraining order is issued, the court can order the phone provider to transfer the number directly to the victim. The victim then assumes all future costs for the phone, service, and devices, and the provider must notify the court and victim within 72 hours if they cannot complete the transfer due to technical issues. The bill ensures victim contact information remains private during proceedings and requires providers to follow standard account setup procedures for the transfer.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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

A 4083: Expands "Daniel's Law" to prohibit disclosure of personal information concerning court administrators and deputy court administrators.

This bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect municipal court administrators and deputy court administrators by prohibiting the public disclosure of their home addresses and unpublished telephone numbers. It adds these officials to the existing list of protected individuals (including judges, law enforcement, and child protective investigators) under the same legal framework. Covered individuals can request redaction of personal information, and knowingly publishing such details without authorization becomes a criminal offense (ranging from fourth-degree to third-degree crimes). The law applies to online posts, social media, and other public sharing, with penalties for violations but no liability for news media that previously published the information.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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

A 2509: Establishes offense of harassing, intimidating, or bullying minor; establishes diversionary program for juveniles charged with offense.

This New Jersey bill (A2509) creates a new misdemeanor offense for adults who harass, intimidate, or bully minors based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation. It sets fines of up to $100 for a first offense and $250 for repeat offenses for both adults and juveniles (who face a "petty disorderly offense" penalty). The bill mandates that juveniles charged with this offense be diverted to restorative justice programs or counseling instead of formal court proceedings, with courts required to consider factors like the juvenile's age, family circumstances, and program availability. This directly affects minors targeted by bullying and juveniles charged with such acts, shifting focus from punishment to rehabilitation through community-based solutions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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

A 703: Requires law enforcement officers to issue preliminary suspension of driver's license for certain drunk driving offenses.

This New Jersey bill requires police to immediately suspend a driver's license (or out-of-state driving privilege) when arresting someone for certain drunk driving offenses, including driving while intoxicated, refusing a breath test, or, for drivers under 21, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% to 0.08%. Officers must confiscate the license (unless issued by another state), forward documents to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and notify the driver of their right to request a hearing within 10 days. The hearing, held within 10 days by an administrative judge, determines if the initial arrest was justified before the suspension continues pending court proceedings. The temporary suspension period counts toward any final license penalty imposed by a court after conviction.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Courts Judges Law Enforcement Driver Licensing

All criminal justice bills