This bill allows parents in New Jersey to request additional court-ordered parenting time if their scheduled visits were interrupted by investigations into unsubstantiated child abuse, neglect, or related custody issues. Under the new rules, the Superior Court must grant this compensatory time unless a judge determines it is not in the child's best interest, provided the investigation did not result in a finding of abuse or neglect. The replacement time must match the original schedule in type and duration, occur within two years of the denial, and be selected by the affected parent. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these provisions do not create civil liability for investigative agencies or their employees.
This bill allows New Jersey courts to reduce sentences for first- or second-degree crimes when mitigating factors outweigh aggravating ones and justice requires it. Under the new rule, a judge could sentence a defendant to a term appropriate for a crime one degree lower than the one they were convicted of. Additionally, if a reduced or noncustodial sentence is given, there is a ten-day waiting period before the sentence becomes final, allowing the prosecution time to appeal. The legislation restores language previously removed by a 2025 law and applies retroactively to that earlier date.
This New Jersey bill prohibits state law enforcement officers from participating in civil immigration enforcement operations unless a valid judicial warrant is issued. The legislation defines a judicial warrant as one based on probable cause and issued by a federal or state judge, while a law enforcement officer is anyone with the power to arrest or convict offenders. To ensure compliance, the Attorney General must create guidelines that direct how these restrictions are implemented. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This New Jersey bill requires police to immediately suspend a driver's license (or out-of-state driving privilege) when arresting someone for certain drunk driving offenses, including driving while intoxicated, refusing a breath test, or, for drivers under 21, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% to 0.08%. Officers must confiscate the license (unless issued by another state), forward documents to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and notify the driver of their right to request a hearing within 10 days. The hearing, held within 10 days by an administrative judge, determines if the initial arrest was justified before the suspension continues pending court proceedings. The temporary suspension period counts toward any final license penalty imposed by a court after conviction.
This bill expands New Jersey law to allow victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify via closed-circuit television in criminal trials, directly affecting those involved in human trafficking cases. Courts may order such testimony after a hearing, requiring proof of "severe emotional or mental distress" if testifying in person, while ensuring the defendant can cross-examine and observe the witness's demeanor. The law specifies that minors' audio testimony recordings cannot be part of the public record or appeal, protecting them from potential stigma, while adults' recordings generally become part of the record unless the court orders otherwise. It also clarifies that victims, prosecutors, defendants, or judges can request this testimony method.
This bill establishes a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The courts will combine domestic violence cases with related family matters (like divorce and child custody) and criminal cases under a single judge to improve victim safety and case efficiency. Judges assigned to these courts must have specialized expertise in domestic violence law, family law, and criminal sentencing. The program will be monitored by the Administrative Office of the Courts, with reports due 12 months after launch and at the program’s conclusion to evaluate effectiveness.
S 1318 establishes the New Jersey Innocence Study and Review Commission to examine wrongful convictions in the state. The 9-member commission, appointed within 45 days (including a retired judge as chair and balanced legislative appointees), will study causes of wrongful convictions, review cases, assess restitution systems, and recommend reforms - including creating a permanent innocence review panel for incarcerated individuals to seek conviction reviews. The commission must report its findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months. This bill directly affects the state's criminal justice system and wrongfully convicted individuals by creating a formal process to prevent future errors.
S 2964 establishes a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The program combines domestic violence cases with related family matters (like divorce and child custody) and criminal cases under one judge to improve victim safety, reduce court appearances, and enhance offender accountability. Judges assigned to these courts must have specialized training in domestic violence law, family law, and criminal procedure. The Administrative Office of the Courts will monitor the program and report to the legislature on its effectiveness after 12 months and at the pilot’s conclusion.
This bill (S 2565) expands access to closed-circuit television testimony for victims and witnesses specifically in human trafficking cases. It allows courts to order such testimony after finding clear evidence that testifying in person would cause severe emotional distress, with safeguards ensuring the victim/witness testifies under oath, faces cross-examination, and their demeanor remains observable. The law permits victims, prosecutors, defendants, or judges to request this testimony, and includes special confidentiality rules for minors (under 18) regarding audio recordings of their testimony. This directly affects human trafficking victims and witnesses in New Jersey criminal trials, making it easier for them to participate without facing traumatic in-person courtroom settings.
