Bill > A3731

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program for electronic monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders, initially proposed for Ocean County but with the potential to be relocated to another county at the Attorney General's discretion. The program will require court-ordered electronic monitoring for defendants convicted of contempt of domestic violence orders, with the victim's informed consent. Courts will consider factors such as the severity of past violence, criminal history, weapon access, and mental health when determining electronic monitoring. Defendants may be required to pay monitoring costs and a $250 monitoring fee, which will be deposited into a new "Domestic Violence Victim Notification Fund." The victim must be provided comprehensive information about the monitoring system, including its limitations and the victim's right to refuse participation. The bill also establishes new civil penalties for domestic violence offenders and provides $2.5 million in initial funding. The Attorney General must submit annual reports evaluating the pilot program, including a cost impact analysis, and recommend whether it should become a statewide program. The program aims to enhance victim safety by tracking domestic violence offenders and providing timely notifications to victims.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3731