New Jersey bill S 389 prohibits posting judges' or prosecutors' home addresses or unlisted phone numbers online when done with intent to cause harassment or risk of harm, or in reckless disregard of that risk. It directly affects judges (Supreme Court, Superior Court, Tax Court, municipal judges), prosecutors (county and assistant prosecutors), and designated court administrative staff. Violating this law is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill mirrors existing protections for law enforcement officers under New Jersey law.
This bill allows New Jersey municipalities to create local ordinances that prohibit certain sex offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, or child care centers. It applies to individuals convicted of sex offenses against minors under 18 (excluding those deemed low-risk), who must register under state law. Municipalities must map restricted zones and maintain these maps as official records, while providing exceptions for offenders in correctional facilities, mental health facilities, or with court-approved exemptions. Existing residents covered by the ordinance before its enactment are not displaced.
This bill (S 1859) amends New Jersey's assault statute to upgrade certain assaults to "aggravated assault" when committed against specific professionals. It directly affects individuals like firefighters, school staff (teachers, administrators, bus drivers), healthcare workers, and emergency medical personnel when they are attacked while performing their duties. The key provision adds these groups to the list of protected individuals under aggravated assault, increasing penalties for assaults targeting them. The change applies to attacks occurring during work, whether the attacker recognizes the victim's professional role or not. This is a policy adjustment to strengthen legal protections for public safety and service workers.
S 1787 requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use-of-force policy every even-numbered year (or sooner if needed), ensuring it prioritizes de-escalation, limits force to what's necessary and proportional, and treats deadly force as a last resort. It mandates public reporting of all law enforcement use-of-force incidents through a publicly accessible online database and establishes specific protocols for handling barricaded persons - especially those in mental health crises - requiring crisis intervention training for officers. The bill also requires the Police Training Commission to include barricaded-person response training in all officer basic courses. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.243.
This bill prohibits New Jersey law enforcement and automated license plate reader (ALPR) operators from sharing ALPR data with other states for investigations targeting people seeking or providing reproductive health care services that are legal in New Jersey (including pregnancy care, contraception, or abortion). It requires out-of-state law enforcement agencies to provide written assurance they won’t use the data for such investigations before NJ agencies share information. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects NJ law enforcement agencies, ALPR operators, and out-of-state agencies seeking to investigate legal reproductive health services.
This bill creates a Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of survivors and experts, must evaluate existing anti-trafficking laws, recommend new policies, review assistance programs, and develop public awareness campaigns - including signage and hotlines - within 180 days of the bill's enactment. It requires the council to submit a report with specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, including best practices for victim identification, public service announcements, and coordination with law enforcement. The bill appropriates $1 million for the council's operations and expires after the report is submitted or one year post-World Cup, whichever comes later.
This bill (S 2878) amends New Jersey sentencing law to add a new mitigating factor for defendants convicted of crimes who were victims of substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse that contributed to their offense. It directly affects individuals convicted of non-murder offenses (excluding certain sex offenses) who can demonstrate their abuse was a contributing factor to their crime. The key provision requires courts to consider this abuse history during sentencing, regardless of whether the defendant raised it as a defense. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.328.
S 1294 amends New Jersey's crime compensation law to allow victims of certain sexual offenses to qualify for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) without having reported the crime to police. Specifically, it removes the police report requirement for victims who received forensic medical services (like rape exams) through a county sexual assault response team within nine months of the offense - covering aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, or related crimes. This directly affects victims who chose not to report to law enforcement but sought medical care through designated response teams. The change ensures these victims can access compensation for medical, counseling, or other eligible expenses without needing a police report. The bill does not alter other eligibility rules, such as the five-year filing limit or the $25,000 compensation cap.
This bill updates New Jersey's sexual assault laws by defining "consent" as a "freely given, knowledgeable, and informed agreement" and stating that sexual penetration without consent constitutes sexual assault. It clarifies key terms like "sexual penetration" (including vaginal, anal, or oral contact) and "intimate parts" to ensure consistent legal application. The law directly affects individuals charged with sexual assault, requiring prosecutors to prove lack of consent rather than relying on ambiguous standards. These changes apply to all cases under New Jersey's criminal code for sexual assault and penetration, replacing outdated definitions with clearer, victim-centered language.
This bill eliminates legal immunity for New Jersey prosecutors who fail to disclose evidence that could help a defendant (exculpatory evidence) in criminal cases, as required by state guidelines based on federal court rulings. It directly affects state, county, and municipal prosecutors, as well as defendants who were denied such evidence. Key mechanisms include requiring courts to notify ethics officials within 24 hours of a violation, allowing victims to sue prosecutors and their employers for damages, and removing immunity for these failures. The law also mandates that courts award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs and specifies that prosecutors must follow clear disclosure standards set by the Attorney General.
