Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4553: Requires sexual assault forensic evidence to be preserved for 10 years.

This bill requires all sexual assault forensic evidence in New Jersey to be kept for at least 10 years from the date it was collected, or 10 years after a minor victim turns 18, regardless of whether the case was reported or the victim released the evidence. It applies to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, healthcare facilities, and crime laboratories, which must notify victims within 30 days of collection that the evidence may be discarded after the 10-year period. County prosecutors or the Division of Criminal Justice may authorize destruction after the retention period, with provisions for transferring custody to the state if needed. The law also allows custodians to contract with other entities to ensure proper storage of the evidence.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 3037: Requires blood sample to be obtained from driver involved in motor vehicle accident resulting in death; designated as "Michelle Sous' Law."

This bill, known as Michelle Sous' Law, requires law enforcement to obtain a blood sample from any driver involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in a death. The law directly affects drivers who are involved in fatal crashes, ensuring that their blood alcohol concentration or drug presence is documented. This provision amends existing New Jersey statutes to make blood testing mandatory in fatal accident cases, rather than relying solely on driver consent. The measure aims to improve evidence collection for impaired driving investigations by removing the need for voluntary consent when a fatality is involved.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4027: Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

This bill clarifies the New Jersey Department of Human Services' authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It requires background checks and other safety protections for residents of these facilities to ensure safer living environments for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The legislation also mandates that the department maintain and publish a public list of all regulated facilities and notify law enforcement agencies of their locations and capacities. By updating existing state laws, the bill aims to standardize oversight and improve accountability for residential treatment facilities across the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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

A 4124: Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for child or pregnant woman during crisis.

This bill requires agencies that provide temporary housing for children or pregnant women in crisis to conduct background checks on staff and comply with specific safety requirements. It amends existing state laws to clarify how confidential child abuse records can be shared with authorized entities like law enforcement, healthcare providers, and courts when there is a legitimate need to protect a child's safety. The legislation establishes clear guidelines for when and how sensitive information may be disclosed, ensuring that privacy protections remain in place while allowing necessary access for child protection purposes. Agencies offering temporary housing must now verify the backgrounds of individuals working with vulnerable populations to help prevent potential harm.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SR 79: Condemns police brutality and excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.

This Senate Resolution condemns police brutality and the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead serves as a formal statement of the Senate's position on the issue. The resolution references specific incidents and statistics regarding police violence against marginalized communities and states that such conduct violates constitutional rights. Copies of the resolution will be sent to federal and state officials, including the President, Vice President, members of Congress, and the New Jersey Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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

A 3402: Prohibits release of home addresses of certain public safety employees by governmental entities.

This bill prohibits government entities from releasing the home addresses of certain public safety employees. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other public safety organizations in New Jersey. The legislation amends existing state laws to add specific protections for the personal addresses of these workers, preventing their disclosure through public records requests. This change aims to enhance the safety and privacy of public safety personnel by restricting access to their residential information. The bill does not specify which public safety roles are covered, leaving that determination to the implementing agencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3919: Permits person diagnosed with autism or communication disability to voluntarily make notation on driver's license, identification card, and in MVC registry; establishes program to train law enforcement officers in interactions with persons with autism or communication disabilities.

This bill allows individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or a communication disability to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license or identification card. It also creates a statewide registry where these individuals can submit information to help law enforcement officers communicate more effectively during interactions. The registry includes details like vehicle information and emergency contacts, and access is restricted to authorized commission staff and law enforcement during official duties. Additionally, the bill establishes a training program to educate law enforcement officers on appropriate interactions with people who have autism or communication disabilities. Individuals can remove their designation or registry information at any time.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4551: Requires revocation of parole for assaulting or threatening law enforcement officers.

This bill requires the immediate revocation of parole for any parolee who assaults or threatens a law enforcement officer, including retired officers acting in their former capacity. It mandates that parole boards detain offenders and begin revocation proceedings upon arrest or indictment for such acts, or upon credible reports of threats intended to cause imminent fear of death or physical harm to officers or their family members. The legislation applies to both active and retired law enforcement personnel and defines family members to include spouses, parents, children, and other relatives residing with the officer.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3887: Renders contracts to provide criminal assistance unlawful; creates civil right of action for victims of certain criminal conduct.

This bill makes it illegal to enter into contracts that pay someone to hide or destroy evidence related to a crime, and it gives victims the right to sue those who make such agreements. Under the law, any promise or agreement to conceal evidence from law enforcement in exchange for money or other compensation is considered against public policy and is automatically void. Victims of the underlying crime can file a civil lawsuit against the person or private entity that entered into the agreement to obstruct justice, with a five-year time limit to file the claim. The legislation does not affect government agencies and is designed to hold private individuals and organizations accountable for interfering with criminal investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SJR 94: Establishes "Autism and Developmental Disabilities Study Commission."

This bill creates a temporary study commission to examine how hospitals, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts train their staff to recognize and interact with individuals who have autism, Down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities. The commission will consist of seven members appointed by state officials and will meet for one year to conduct public hearings and gather information before submitting a report to the Governor and Legislature. The report will include findings and recommendations, after which the commission will dissolve.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Mental Health

All criminal justice bills