summary
Introduced
02/27/2024
02/27/2024
In Committee
02/27/2024
02/27/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require a defendant convicted of, or placed on probation or has a sentence suspended for, a domestic violence offense, to attend domestic violence counseling. Under current law a court may, in its discretion, require the defendant to receive professional counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court. Under the bill, in cases in which a defendant is found guilty of a crime or offense involving domestic violence, or where the court suspends the imposition of a sentence or places the defendant on probation for a domestic violence offense, the court would be required to order the defendant to participate in and complete a program of professional counseling. In all cases of court-ordered domestic violence counseling under the bill, the professional administering the counseling is required to have expertise in individual or group domestic violence counseling. This bill is modeled after similar laws in California, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
AI Summary
This bill requires that defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses, or those who have their sentences suspended or are placed on probation for such offenses, must attend professional domestic violence counseling as a mandatory condition of their sentence. Under the current law, counseling was discretionary, but this bill makes it compulsory. The counseling must be conducted by a professional with demonstrated expertise in individual or group domestic violence counseling. Furthermore, the defendant must provide documentation of their counseling attendance, and in cases where a court order requires counseling, the defendant cannot have a restraining order dissolved until they have completed all required counseling sessions. The bill is modeled after similar laws in California, North Carolina, and Minnesota, and aims to provide structured intervention and support for domestic violence offenders to help prevent future incidents and promote rehabilitation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 02/27/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3889 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A4000/3889_I1.HTM |
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