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Bill > A4389


NJ A4389

NJ A4389
Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.


summary

Introduced
05/16/2024
In Committee
05/16/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill expands Megan's Law to require that members of municipal governing bodies be notified when a sex offender moves into a municipality and restricts sex offenders from residing in areas frequented by children. Under the provisions of the bill, when a sex offender listed on the Internet registry maintained by the Superintendent of the State Police registers with the chief law enforcement officer of a municipality, the officer is to forward the name and address of the sex offender to the members of the governing body of the municipality. If the sex offender is required to register with the Superintendent of State Police because he is moving to a municipality that does not have a police force, then the Superintendent of State Police is to forward the sex offender's name and address to the members of the governing body of the municipality in which the sex offender intends to reside. Under the provisions of the bill, it is unlawful for a person who is subject to the Megan's Law registration requirements for a sex offense against an individual under the age of 18 to reside within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground or child care center. The residential ban would not cover a sex offender who: resides at a prison or mental health facility; resides at a residence established before the bill's enactment; has a school, playground or child care center established or built within 500 feet of his or her existing residence; was granted a needs based exception by the parole board; or was discharged from a psychiatric facility by a court and was granted an exemption by a court.

AI Summary

This bill expands Megan's Law to require local government notification when a sex offender moves into a municipality and restricts sex offenders from residing within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, or playgrounds. It outlines specific exceptions, such as for sex offenders residing in a prison, mental health facility, or a residence established before the bill's enactment. The bill aims to enhance public safety by preventing sex offenders who have committed crimes against minors from living in close proximity to areas where children congregate, while avoiding further penalizing certain offenders.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 05/16/2024)

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