This bill amends New Jersey law to allow individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to work as law enforcement and corrections officers. It replaces the existing requirement that officers must be U.S. citizens with a new standard permitting those granted DACA relief under federal immigration law. The change applies to all state and county correctional officers, police departments, and juvenile corrections roles, without altering other existing requirements like English proficiency, high school diplomas, background checks, or moral character standards. This directly affects DACA-eligible individuals seeking public safety careers in New Jersey.
This bill (A 481) upgrades penalties for cyber-harassment targeting public servants or their family members, raising it from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime. It also establishes the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support within the Department of Law and Public Safety to provide victim assistance, develop educational programs, and coordinate with law enforcement and schools on cyber-harassment prevention. Key provisions include creating accessible reporting systems for victims, requiring school-based cyber ethics education, and collaborating with social media platforms to address harmful content. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being superseded by enacted legislation (P.L.2025, c.303).
This bill increases penalties for driving with a license suspended due to a DUI conviction. For third or subsequent offenses, it mandates 30 to 180 days in jail (up from fines alone) and adds a 1-year license suspension extension. It also imposes longer prison terms (60-180 days for repeat offenses) when driving near schools, school zones, or within 1,000 feet of school property. These changes apply specifically to individuals convicted of operating a vehicle during a DUI-related license suspension.
This bill (A 786) clarifies court procedures for temporarily detaining defendants who violate pretrial release conditions or commit new crimes while on release. It requires courts to find "clear and convincing evidence" that no bail or conditions would ensure court appearance or public safety before revoking release, and mandates consideration of risk assessments for new offenses. The bill specifically prevents revocation for marijuana-related violations (e.g., possession under N.J.S.2C:35-10 or 2C:35-5). It directly affects defendants on pretrial release who face new charges or breach release terms, ensuring consistent application of existing standards. The changes align with a 2023 criminal justice reform recommendation.
This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a public awareness campaign about the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights and the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The campaign must include community outreach, training for agencies, and public information about VCCO services - such as eligible crimes, required claim documents, filing deadlines, and available benefits. It directly affects crime victims, their families, and organizations that serve them by making compensation resources more accessible. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment, aiming to increase understanding of victims' rights and support systems.
This bill amends New Jersey's theft statute to reclassify motor vehicle theft as a second-degree crime (previously third-degree), increasing penalties. It adds a new fine structure: $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense, with courts able to suspend driving privileges for up to 10 years. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of stealing vehicles, including repeat offenders. Note: The bill title mentions "home detention for minors," but the provided text only addresses theft penalties and driving sanctions - no home detention provisions are included in the cited sections. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
This New Jersey bill strengthens protections for crime victims by ensuring their location remains confidential in stalking and domestic violence cases. It requires courts to automatically issue restraining orders upon a stalking conviction (Section 3), prevents victim locations from appearing on documents accessible to defendants, and extends these protections to children, developmentally disabled individuals, and vulnerable adults (Section 2). The bill also mandates confidentiality for domestic violence cases (Section 9) and applies to all stalking-related court documents (Section 4). These changes directly affect victims of stalking, domestic violence, and their legal representatives, while limiting defendants' access to sensitive location information.
This bill (A 412) allows prosecutors to charge domestic violence or child endangerment offenses as one degree more serious during declared emergencies (national, state, or county). It directly affects individuals committing these acts while a state of emergency is in effect. Under current law, such offenses are charged at their standard level, but this bill gives prosecutors discretion to elevate the charge classification during emergencies. The change applies specifically to cases where a criminal complaint is filed under existing domestic violence or child endangerment statutes.
This New Jersey bill requires courts to conduct a criminal background check for any name change application. Applicants must consent in writing, pay for the check, and provide fingerprints for verification against state and federal records. The bill prohibits name changes for individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault or robbery) or domestic violence offenses (including stalking or harassment), unless the request is for religious reasons. Courts must also notify victims or their immediate family members if an applicant with such a conviction seeks a name change. The bill is pending and would not take effect until three months after enactment.
This bill creates a specific plea option for juveniles charged with both residential burglary and motor vehicle theft during the same incident, under strict conditions: no firearm use, no bodily injury, and no prior serious offenses. Prosecutors may offer a deal where the burglary charge is dismissed if the juvenile pleads guilty to motor vehicle theft (as a third-degree crime) and receives a 5-year prison sentence with 3 years of parole ineligibility. Juveniles who reject this plea but later provide evidence leading to an adult's arrest for similar crimes can later negotiate reduced sentences. The bill also shortens the expungement waiting period from 5 to 3 years for those who accept the plea or later qualify for sentencing reductions.
