New JerseyS2423220th Legislature (2024-2025)Senate

Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission.

Sponsored By: Angela V. McKnight (Democratic), William F. Moen Jr. (Democratic), Pou, Nellie, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (Democratic), Benjie E. Wimberly (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Capacity and service safeguards for detained youth

The Youth Justice Commission can contract for county detention placements tied to State correctional facilities only within rated capacity. Contracts must provide services at least equal to those for youth in State-operated facilities. Youth generally cannot be separated from others or excluded from facility programs. A contract or Commission direction may allow those limits for secure and orderly operation.

Crisis protections cover more trafficked youth

A juvenile-family crisis now includes an act that counts as prostitution when committed by an adult. It also includes an offense the youth alleges is linked to being a human-trafficking victim. These changes bring more youth and families within the law’s crisis-related provisions.

Emergency credits advance eligible youth release dates

Public health emergency credits advance release for eligible youth whose Commission-facility commitment terms end within 365 days. Eligible youth who served time during the COVID-19 public health and state emergencies receive credits under the 2020 law. Exclusions cover murder, aggravated sexual assault, and specified sex offenses for youth deemed repetitive, compulsive sex offenders. Release occurs on the date calculated using the credits. A transition rule required release within 45 days of the 2020 law’s effective date for scheduled releases less than 45 days away.

Regular reviews and community supervision for youth

The Youth Justice Commission must review each committed youth at least every three months until parole or release. Reports cover care, treatment, services, violence incidents, and parole eligibility; the court, prosecutor, and youth’s lawyer receive them. The lawyer may respond, and reviews resume if the youth returns to Commission custody. After the maximum sentence ends, supervision occurs in the community, while the youth remains in Commission legal custody. The Commission cannot require entry into or completion of a residential release program. After at least six months of parole supervision, supervision may end if adjustment is satisfactory and continued supervision is unnecessary.

Stronger hearing rights for youth on parole

Youth facing parole revocation get a lawyer and a hearing officer who is a New Jersey attorney. Revocation requires clear and convincing evidence of serious or persistent violations and substantial public danger that community supervision cannot address. It must also be consistent with juvenile law. Before the hearing, detention requires objective, credible evidence of an immediate and substantial danger to public safety. For detained youth, the hearing must occur within 72 hours, with a written decision sent within 48 hours afterward. The State Parole Board member on the youth panel needs juvenile justice experience or seven hours of training. Training covers adolescent development, peer relationships, and crime’s effects on victims.

Youth parole decisions require unanimous votes

Every decision by the juvenile parole panel must be unanimous. A favorable parole decision requires agreement from every panel member.

Victim protections restrict youth released with credits

Youth released with emergency credits cannot contact their crime’s victim until their original scheduled release date. Violating the ban is a fourth-degree crime; before release, the Commission must give written notice and obtain written acknowledgment. Its Executive Director must immediately identify credit-based releases due within 365 days and notify the prosecutor or Attorney General of both release dates. Prosecutors or the Attorney General may notify identifiable victims before release; victim notice is not required. Notices may explain the ban, penalties, petitions to end it, restraining orders, and victim resources. The Commission must publish information in English and Spanish about restraining orders, victim resources, and petitions to end the ban.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.
Democratic • Senate
Margie Donlon M.D.
Democratic • House
Roy Freiman
Democratic • House
Robert J. Karabinchak
Democratic • House
Tennille R. McCoy
Democratic • House
Carol A. Murphy
Democratic • House
Luanne M. Peterpaul Esq.
Democratic • House
Cleopatra G. Tucker
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 99 • No: 12

House vote • 1/30/2025

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 61 • No: 12 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/18/2024