S 2396 upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime and elevates it to a first-degree crime if committed while armed with a weapon or explosives. This directly affects individuals convicted of burglarizing homes (dwellings or structures adapted for overnight stays), changing their sentencing level based on whether they were armed during the offense. Under the bill, second-degree burglary (unarmed residence burglary) carries a 5-10 year prison term, while first-degree burglary (armed residence burglary) would now carry a higher penalty. The bill amends New Jersey’s burglary statute (N.J.S.2C:18-2) and aligns sentencing with existing parole requirements for serious crimes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026.
This bill requires local police to notify municipal governing bodies when a sex offender (convicted of a crime against a minor under 18) registers with the state. It prohibits such offenders from living within 500 feet of schools, childcare centers, or playgrounds, unless specific exceptions apply (like existing residences, facilities, or court-approved exemptions). The law aims to enhance public safety by creating buffer zones around child-occupied locations, while requiring municipalities to be informed of new registrations. Exceptions include offenders residing at correctional facilities, those with pre-existing homes, or those granted exemptions by parole boards or courts. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.
This bill requires a mandatory 3-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility for drivers who leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing serious bodily injury. It directly affects drivers convicted of leaving accident scenes under New Jersey law (specifically amending N.J.S.2C:12-1.1). The key provision eliminates judicial discretion for third-degree offenses in these cases, mandating a minimum 3-year term and prohibiting suspended sentences or parole. The bill also clarifies that this conviction does not merge with separate assault charges, requiring consecutive sentences for multiple offenses.
This bill upgrades burglary of a residence (a dwelling or structure adapted for overnight accommodation) to a second-degree crime, regardless of whether the burglar was armed or caused injury. Currently, such burglaries are typically third-degree unless specific aggravating factors exist. The change means offenders convicted of entering a home unlawfully will face a second-degree charge, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before parole eligibility under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). This directly affects individuals convicted of residential burglary, increasing potential prison time compared to the current third-degree classification. The bill amends New Jersey law to automatically classify these offenses as second-degree burglary under Section 2C:18-2(b)(3).
This bill (S 1453) amends New Jersey law to allow inmates participating in college or associate degree programs to earn time credits toward reducing their parole eligibility date. Currently, inmates receive up to one day off parole eligibility for every five days in "productive occupations" like vocational training; this bill explicitly adds college/associate degree programs to that category. The credits would apply to all inmates in correctional facilities who complete these educational programs, without affecting existing good behavior deductions or other sentence credits. The bill does not change current wage or compensation rules for inmates.
This bill amends New Jersey's "three strikes law" to exclude crimes committed before age 18 from counting toward the two prior convictions required for life imprisonment without parole. It directly affects defendants who have prior offenses committed as juveniles (under 18), ensuring those offenses no longer trigger the harsher sentencing. The key change clarifies that only convictions for crimes committed after the age of 18 will be considered when determining eligibility for life sentences under this law. The amendment aligns the law with the existing definition of "juvenile" (under 18) and removes prior juvenile offenses from the calculation.
This bill (S 455) is mislabeled in its title; the actual text amends **special probation rules for substance use disorder cases**, not expungement statutes. It creates a new "special probation" option for individuals with substance use disorders convicted of certain offenses (excluding serious violent crimes), requiring a court to assess their condition, confirm the offense was drug/alcohol-related, and ensure no prior violent convictions. If approved, offenders must enter licensed residential or nonresidential treatment (including medication-assisted therapy) with regular drug testing, replacing incarceration. The bill directly affects people with substance use disorders who meet strict eligibility criteria, aiming to reduce prison time by prioritizing treatment over punishment. *(Note: The bill's title incorrectly references "expungement" despite the text focusing solely on probation and treatment programs.)*
This bill (S 909) increases penalties for repeated stalking and harassment offenses in New Jersey. It upgrades second or subsequent stalking offenses to a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), requiring a mandatory three-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility. Similarly, second or subsequent harassment offenses would become third-degree crimes (up from a petty disorderly persons offense), also carrying the same mandatory three-year sentence. The changes apply to all repeat offenses, not just against the same victim as current law, and affect anyone convicted of these crimes.
This bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.
This New Jersey bill (S 2665) changes how driver's licenses can be suspended for unpaid child support. It requires the Probation Division to send written notice (via certified mail) to individuals owing six months of child support or failing to provide court-ordered health coverage, giving them 30 days to pay or provide proof before license suspension. The bill adds a requirement for a hearing if the person requests one within 45 days, and explicitly removes license suspension as a penalty for other unpaid financial obligations like fines or restitution. It directly affects people with outstanding child support arrearages who fail to respond to notice.
