Bill > S1385

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program in Ocean County (or potentially another county selected by the Attorney General) for electronic monitoring of domestic violence defendants and victim notification. The program allows courts to order electronic monitoring for defendants convicted of contempt of domestic violence orders, but only with the victim's informed consent. When deciding to implement electronic monitoring, the court must consider factors such as the severity of previous violence, the defendant's criminal history, access to weapons, mental health history, and potential risks to children. The defendant may be required to pay a $250 monitoring fee, and the program includes provisions for victim safety, such as requiring the prosecutor's office to provide detailed information about the electronic monitoring system and available support services. The bill creates a "Domestic Violence Victim Notification Fund" to cover program costs, which will be funded through monitoring fees, civil penalties, and a $2.5 million initial appropriation. The Attorney General is required to submit annual reports evaluating the pilot program, including a cost impact analysis, and will determine whether the program should be expanded statewide. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices and provides liability protections for electronic monitoring equipment suppliers.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1385