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New JerseyS4406221st Legislature (2026-2027)Senate

Clarifies sentencing under certain circumstances.

Sponsored By: Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (Democratic), Yvonne Lopez (Democratic), Angela V. McKnight (Democratic), Eliana Pintor Marin (Democratic), Annette Quijano (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Lighter sentences for defendants harmed by abuse

Beginning July 2, 2026, New Jersey courts may reduce sentences when domestic violence or substantial abuse contributed to the conviction. Qualifying abuse can be physical, sexual, or psychological; murder and crimes requiring sex-offender registration are excluded. The court must find that this factor applies, but the defendant need not have raised an abuse-related defense. Courts must consider all relevant circumstances and evidence, including medical records, court records, protective orders, and victim-services testimony. When the factor applies, the usual presumption of prison does not apply. Courts may impose 5–10 years for first-degree crimes, 3–5 years for second-degree crimes, or up to 18 months for third-degree crimes. Fourth-degree crimes may receive up to 6 months; non-indictable offenses may receive probation or conditional discharge. The act applies retroactively to the effective date of section 1 of P.L.2025, c.328.

Greater prison risk for repeat domestic abusers

Beginning July 2, 2026, New Jersey courts must weigh repeated domestic violence as a reason for a tougher sentence. The offense must involve domestic violence, and the defendant must have committed domestic violence on more than one occasion. For third-degree crimes, this creates a presumption of prison, even for defendants with no prior criminal record. Exceptions apply when prison would cause a serious injustice or the law's abuse-related sentencing factor applies. The law also preserves an exception for defendants previously convicted of motor vehicle theft or unlawful taking. The act applies retroactively to the effective date of section 1 of P.L.2025, c.328.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yvonne Lopez

    Democratic • House

  • Angela V. McKnight

    Democratic • Senate

  • Eliana Pintor Marin

    Democratic • House

  • Annette Quijano

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Britnee N. Timberlake

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjie E. Wimberly

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 105 • No: 11

House vote • 6/30/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 71 • No: 6

Senate vote • 6/18/2026

3RDG FINAL PASSAGE

Yes: 34 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor: APP

    7/2/2026Governor

  2. Approved by Governor — P.L.2026, c.30.

    7/2/2026Governor

  3. Passed Assembly, PBH — (71-6-0)

    6/30/2026House

  4. Substituted for A5310

    6/30/2026House

  5. Reported, 2nd Reading in Assembly

    6/28/2026House

  6. TRANS Assembly Budget Committee

    6/28/2026House

  7. Received in Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee

    6/18/2026House

  8. Passed Senate — (34-5)

    6/18/2026Senate

  9. Reported, 2nd Reading in Senate

    6/11/2026Senate

  10. Introduced, 1st Reading in Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee

    6/4/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Version PL2026

    9/17/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Version AL2026

    8/13/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • As Introduced

    7/1/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Assembly Budget Substitute (6/28/26)

    6/29/2026

    HTMLPDF

  • Senate Judiciary Substitute (6/11/26)

    6/12/2026

    HTMLPDF

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