Criminal Justice

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

A 3891: Establishes procedures for disqualification from public office or employment upon conviction of certain crimes; creates registry.

This bill requires public employees (including elected officials and local government workers) to automatically lose their positions upon conviction for certain crimes, such as dishonesty, third-degree offenses, or crimes directly related to their job. It also permanently bans convicted individuals from holding any future public office, position, or employment in New Jersey. The law mandates courts to issue immediate forfeiture orders and creates a state registry tracking all disqualifications. Key triggers include convictions under New Jersey law for crimes like fraud or third-degree offenses, or similar crimes committed elsewhere. The registry ensures transparency by documenting all disqualifications, though courts may waive penalties for minor offenses like disorderly conduct.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates automatic disqualification and permanent ban on public employment for certain crimes, expanding consequences and restricting rights. Aligns with 'oppose' indicators of expanding criminalization and reducing defendant rights.90% confidence

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 · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3683: Establishes crime of knowingly filing false report against law enforcement officers.

S 3683 creates a new third-degree crime for knowingly filing a false report or providing false information to law enforcement with the intent to falsely accuse a law enforcement officer of committing a crime, offense, or professional misconduct that could trigger disciplinary action. This bill directly affects individuals who make deliberate false reports against officers to harm their professional reputation or career. The law adds this as a separate offense under New Jersey's criminal code, meaning a person could face charges for both this new crime and existing false reporting offenses like falsely accusing others or reporting made-up incidents. Penalties include up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new third-degree crime for false reports against officers, expanding criminalization per indicators. Directly adds to criminal code without reform or accountability focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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

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

A 4250: Makes supplemental appropriation of $2,500,000 to Salvation and Social Justice for "Return and Restore" Program.

This bill appropriates $2.5 million in supplemental funding from the General Fund to Salvation and Social Justice for its "Return and Restore" program. The funds will be administered by the Trenton Restorative Street Team (TRST), a community-based initiative that directly serves formerly incarcerated individuals in Trenton at risk of gang involvement or recidivism. Key provisions include providing comprehensive supportive services - such as outreach, counseling, and conflict mediation - through a team of trained workers, including former gang members and formerly incarcerated residents. The program aims to reduce gang-related activities, gun violence, and recidivism by addressing root causes in high-risk communities. This funding supplements existing state appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year and takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $2.5M supplemental funding from General Fund for community program serving formerly incarcerated individuals, increasing public spending on essential services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds 'Return and Restore' program providing supportive services to formerly incarcerated individuals to reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Firearms

Track

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

A 700: Increases penalties for unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl.

This bill (A-700) increases penalties for fentanyl offenses by raising the quantity threshold that triggers the most severe criminal charges. Specifically, it makes possessing or distributing five ounces or more of fentanyl (including adulterants) a first-degree crime, requiring a mandatory minimum prison term of one-third to one-half the sentence with no parole eligibility. This directly affects individuals involved in large-scale fentanyl distribution or possession, as penalties for quantities under five ounces remain less severe. The change applies to fentanyl specifically, while other drugs retain their existing penalty thresholds under New Jersey law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory minimums and eliminates parole for fentanyl offenses, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights per bill's penalty enhancements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

Track

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

A 4097: Increases penalty for reckless vehicular homicide committed when driving while intoxicated under certain circumstances.

This bill increases the penalty for causing death by reckless driving when the driver was intoxicated (drunk or high) or had a suspended license for a DUI. It elevates the crime to a first-degree offense (instead of second-degree) if the death occurs within 1,000 feet of school property, at a school crossing, or in a highway construction zone. The law requires a hearing to prove intoxication, and a convicted driver must serve a minimum prison term of at least one-third to one-half of their sentence or three years, without parole eligibility during that time. It directly affects drivers convicted of causing death while driving under the influence in these specific locations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory sentences for intoxicated vehicular homicide, expanding criminalization and opposing reform efforts.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for drunk driving causing death near schools/construction zones, directly enhancing road safety standards per transportation topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Violent Crime Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

Track