Criminal Justice (Violent Crime) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 5203: Prohibits court from requiring victim of sexual offense to submit to certain examinations.

This New Jersey bill prohibits courts from ordering victims of sexual offenses to undergo specific physical exams, such as gynecological checks or examinations of the breasts, buttocks, anus, or sexual organs. It applies to cases involving aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and human trafficking. The law also ensures that if a victim refuses these specific exams, their refusal cannot be used to dismiss other relevant evidence collected during the case. This change aims to limit invasive procedures while maintaining the ability of courts to use other available evidence.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 5279: Upgrades assault on victims who are elderly or disabled.

This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to impose stricter penalties for attacking specific protected groups, including elderly and disabled individuals. Under the proposed changes, any simple assault committed against these vulnerable victims would be automatically classified as an aggravated assault, carrying a more severe criminal charge. The legislation also expands the list of protected persons to include a wide range of workers such as school staff, utility employees, and healthcare providers when they are performing their official duties. By reclassifying attacks on these groups as aggravated offenses, the bill ensures that perpetrators face harsher legal consequences than those who assault the general public.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4918: Establishes comprehensive school-based violence prevention grant program to help youth at highest risk of involvement in gun violence; appropriates $1 million.

This bill creates a new grant program in New Jersey to help school districts prevent gun violence among at-risk youth. It provides up to $1 million in funding to districts located in municipalities with high rates of homicides or juvenile arrests for violent crime. The grants are intended to support evidence-based programs that involve partnerships with community organizations to offer services like trauma healing, conflict management training, and connections to mentors. Recipients must submit detailed applications outlining their plans and report on how they use the funds.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Firearms Juvenile Justice Violent Crime School Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4236: Establishes comprehensive school-based violence prevention grant program to help youth at highest risk of involvement in gun violence; appropriates $1 million.

This bill creates a new grant program in New Jersey to help school districts prevent gun violence among high-risk youth by funding evidence-based prevention strategies. To qualify, a school district must be located in an area with a high rate of homicides or violent crime, and the funds are intended to support programs that involve collaboration with community partners like mentors and mental health professionals. The $1 million appropriation allows districts to use the money for activities such as trauma healing, conflict resolution training, and connecting students with trusted adults. Additionally, the bill requires districts that receive funding to submit annual reports detailing how they utilized the grant money.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Appropriations Firearms Violent Crime School Safety Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4394: Establishes Veteran's Treatment Court Program.

This bill establishes a new Veterans Treatment Court Program in New Jersey to provide specialized judicial supervision and clinical care for veterans with serious charges who do not qualify for existing diversion programs. The program is designed to address crimes linked to untreated trauma, such as PTSD or substance use disorders, by creating a second track that operates alongside the current prosecutor-led diversion system. Eligible participants will be assigned to a specialized court docket in three regions, where they must complete structured treatment plans involving mental health professionals and an interdisciplinary team. While the bill expands access to support for justice-involved veterans, it explicitly excludes individuals charged with severe violent crimes like murder or aggravated sexual assault from participation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime Mental Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5090: "GAI Accountability Act;" imposes civil penalties on generative artificial intelligence platforms engaging in harmful activity, including exploitation of children.

The GAI Accountability Act imposes civil penalties on owners, operators, and developers of generative artificial intelligence platforms that are accessible to New Jersey residents. These entities could face a $20,000 fine for each violation if their platforms engage in specific harmful acts, such as creating child sexual abuse material or assisting users in committing crimes like murder or assault. The law includes a defense for companies that can prove they made reasonable efforts to prevent these violations, and enforcement is handled by the state Attorney General.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Artificial Intelligence

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4888: Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.

This New Jersey bill restricts colleges and private degree-granting schools from asking about criminal history on standard admission applications, except for specific serious offenses like homicide, sexual assault, and child exploitation. While applicants cannot be asked about most crimes upfront, schools are allowed to check criminal records after accepting a student and can deny admission only for the listed serious offenses. The law also requires schools to consider factors like the time passed since the crime and evidence of rehabilitation when making decisions, and it explicitly excludes expunged records from consideration.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Higher Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4809: Imposes notice requirement to victim or victim's family when probation or suspended sentence changes or defendant is discharged.

This New Jersey bill requires the probation division to notify victims or the nearest relatives of homicide victims when a defendant's probation or suspended sentence is modified to shorten its duration or when the defendant is discharged. The law applies specifically to individuals convicted of homicide and ensures they receive updates regarding changes that affect the length of their supervision or the end of their sentence. By mandating these notifications, the legislation aims to keep affected parties informed about significant developments in the case without altering the existing rules for other types of crimes. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4103: Requires sexual assault forensic evidence to be preserved for 10 years.

This bill requires that forensic evidence collected during sexual assault investigations in New Jersey be kept for at least 10 years, extending to 10 years after a minor victim turns 18. It applies to various custodians, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and healthcare facilities, and mandates that they notify victims within 30 days of collection that the evidence may be discarded after the preservation period. The law also allows county prosecutors or the Division of Criminal Justice to authorize destruction after the deadline, provided they offer the Division a chance to take custody of the items. By updating current guidelines that previously required only five years of retention, the legislation aims to ensure evidence remains available for potential future use.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4861: "Sexual Assault Victims' Rights Act"; requires victim notification concerning termination of obligation to register as sex offender and release from parole supervision for life; concerns restraining orders for victim of sex offense.

This bill, titled the Sexual Assault Victims' Rights Act, requires that victims of sex offenses be notified if a convicted offender's duty to register as a sex offender ends or if they are released from life parole. The law also addresses the use of restraining orders for victims of sexual offenses. It outlines specific crimes that qualify as sex offenses and sets rules for when and how offenders must register, particularly those under community supervision. The legislation aims to ensure victims stay informed about changes in the status of offenders who have harmed them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights Violent Crime

All criminal justice bills