Criminal Justice (Corrections) in New Jersey

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

A 1600: Clarifies court's discretion in imposing monetary conditions of bail; establishes rebuttable presumption that person charged with violent crime be detained prior to trial.

This bill changes New Jersey's pretrial detention rules by creating a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with certain violent crimes must be held in jail before trial. It applies to cases involving murder, life sentences, serious violent offenses (like domestic violence, human trafficking of minors, or crimes under specific statutes), or when prosecutors allege a high risk of flight or danger. Courts must assume detention is necessary unless the defendant proves otherwise through a hearing. The bill also clarifies that monetary bail should only be used when no other conditions can ensure court appearance or community safety. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Domestic Violence

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2102: Establishes criminal penalties for certain violations of the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act."

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 The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.356, meaning the changes are now law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 621: Establishes limits on future parole eligibility date.

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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

A 2786: Extends penalties for driving under the influence to include any substance that impairs driving ability; deems driver's consent to non-invasive drug tests.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 2125: Expands categories of individuals who may bring a claim under wrongful imprisonment statute.

This bill (A 2125) expands New Jersey's wrongful imprisonment statute to include individuals mistakenly convicted of a crime and later civilly committed as a "sexually violent predator" under P.L.1998, c.71. It allows these claimants to sue the state for damages if they prove, by clear and convincing evidence, they did not commit the crime and did not cause their conviction through misconduct. Damages would be calculated as either twice their pre-incarceration income or $50,000 per year of imprisonment (plus $25,000 per year of post-release supervision), with possible non-monetary relief like vocational training. Claimants must file within two years of release, conviction vacating, or pardon. The bill is pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee and has not yet become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 3702: Criminalizes owner or landlord knowingly renting dwelling to tenant that is illegal occupancy which causes serious bodily injury to or death of another person.

This New Jersey bill (A 3702) makes it a fourth-degree crime for a landlord or property owner to knowingly rent a dwelling that qualifies as "illegal occupancy" (violating housing codes, zoning, or health/safety regulations) when that rental causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. Landlords convicted face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill does not replace existing civil penalties for illegal occupancy but adds criminal liability specifically when harm occurs. It directly affects landlords who rent unsafe properties they knowingly allow to remain non-compliant.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

A 1215: Expands crime of human trafficking to include individuals who benefit financially.

This bill expands New Jersey's human trafficking law to include individuals who profit financially from trafficking schemes, even if they aren't organizers, supervisors, financiers, or managers. It directly affects people who receive money or other benefits from trafficking activities, such as business owners who exploit victims or third parties facilitating exploitation. The key change adds a new subsection defining human trafficking to cover "receiving anything of value" from trafficking, while maintaining a 20-year minimum prison term and requiring restitution to victims based on their labor value. This makes it a crime to profit from trafficking without needing to prove a formal leadership role in the scheme.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Victims' Rights

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

A 294: Establishes third degree crime of gang assault.

This New Jersey bill (A 294) creates a new third-degree crime called "gang assault." It applies when a person, aided by two or more others actually present, intentionally causes physical harm (like pain, illness, or injury) to someone else. The law defines "bodily injury" as physical pain, illness, or impairment of physical condition. Violating this law carries a penalty of 3-5 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill is modeled after similar New York law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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 Justice

Sub-Topics Corrections

All criminal justice bills