This bill would have established criminal penalties (fourth-degree crimes) for employers who knowingly falsify payroll records required under New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act or make false statements on public works contractor registration forms. It directly affects employers working on public construction projects subject to prevailing wage requirements. Currently, such violations are punishable only as minor offenses (up to 90 days in jail), but this bill would have increased penalties to up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fines. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.356, meaning the changes are now law.
This bill expands eligibility for compensation from New Jersey's Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) to include victims of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or requiring ambulance removal from the scene. It also establishes a "Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights," granting victims and families specific entitlements: free access to police reports and crash evidence, notification about court hearings (including license suspension cases), the right to take work leave for related hearings, protection from harassment by the other driver, and access to compensation assistance. The bill directly affects crash victims who previously did not qualify for VCCO benefits under New Jersey law. These changes aim to provide clearer access to information and support for those impacted by serious traffic crashes.
This bill (A 1389) upgrades assaults against youth sports officials to aggravated assault under New Jersey law. It directly affects anyone who assaults referees, umpires, coaches, athletic trainers, or similar officials at school- or community-sponsored youth sports events, provided the official was clearly identifiable in their role (e.g., wearing a uniform). The key mechanism adds "sports official" to the list of protected individuals under aggravated assault, meaning such assaults will now carry higher penalties than simple assault. The bill applies only to youth sports events and requires the official to be visibly identifiable during the incident.
This bill limits parole boards to setting future parole reconsideration dates no more than three years after an inmate is denied release. It applies to adult inmates denied parole at their initial eligibility date. The law prevents indefinite delays by requiring boards to schedule the next hearing within three years, though they may consider offense severity and criminal history when setting the date. It clarifies that good behavior credits do not shorten this three-year period. This replaces current practice where boards could set longer delays.
This bill appropriates $75,000 from the General Fund to the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund, administered by the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Justice. The funds must be used to provide direct services to trafficking survivors, promote awareness of human trafficking, and develop educational materials and training programs - consistent with existing law (P.L. 2013, c. 51). The fund is non-lapsing, meaning the money remains available until spent for these specific purposes. This supplemental appropriation directly supports victims and programs addressing human trafficking in New Jersey.
This bill establishes mandatory standards for domestic violence counseling programs required by courts for offenders. It directly affects defendants ordered to attend such counseling in domestic violence cases, requiring programs to include four key components: risk assessments identifying escalating violence patterns, education on power/control tactics, verified attendance tracking with court reporting, and regular oversight by New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. The law aims to ensure counseling programs actively promote offender accountability rather than simply meeting attendance requirements. It implements a specific recommendation from a 2023 criminal justice report and takes effect three months after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit monthly data to the Attorney General about handgun permit and firearm purchase permit applications. The data must include applicant demographics (race, ethnicity, gender identity), application status (approved/denied), and denial reasons. The Attorney General must then compile and publicly release this information starting from June 2022, with an initial report due within two months of the bill's effective date. The bill aims to increase transparency around firearm licensing outcomes, particularly regarding potential disparities in denials across different applicant groups.
This bill requires all members of New Jersey's county Sexual Assault Response Teams to receive specific training on interacting with victims who have developmental disabilities. It amends existing law to add this topic to the mandatory training curriculum for teams, which currently include certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiners, rape care advocates, and law enforcement officials. The training must cover appropriate communication and support strategies for these victims during investigations and care. This policy change directly affects county-level response teams handling sexual assault cases across New Jersey.
This bill expands New Jersey's DUI law to cover any substance that impairs driving ability - beyond just alcohol or narcotics - such as inhalants (e.g., glue, solvents) or other chemicals causing intoxication. It requires drivers suspected of impairment to submit to non-invasive drug tests (like saliva tests) and extends existing penalties for driving under the influence to all impairing substances. The law applies to all drivers operating vehicles while impaired, with penalties structured by impairment level (e.g., fines, license suspension, jail time) similar to current alcohol-related DUI rules. Repeat offenses face harsher consequences, including ignition interlock device requirements or longer license suspensions.
This bill (A1885) clarifies and expands firearm carry permissions for municipal arson investigators under New Jersey law. It adds a specific requirement that fire department members assigned to arson investigation units must complete approved police academy training, firearms certification, and annual qualification before being authorized to carry weapons. These investigators can carry firearms while actively working on arson cases or on call, with approval from their local government or county prosecutor. The change formalizes existing practice for these specialized personnel, ensuring they meet standardized training and safety protocols. The bill does not create new investigative powers but updates firearm-related exemptions in state law.
