summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates a three-year Gun Court Pilot Program in the Superior Court in Passaic County. Under the provisions of the bill, the Administrative Office of the Courts would administer the program. Any criminal case where a gun or other dangerous weapon was used in the commission of the crime could be referred to the Gun Court. Judges assigned to the Gun Court are to have extensive knowledge of and experience in criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal sentencing. Decisions would be binding and subject to the right of appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. The Administrative Office of the Courts is to monitor the Gun Court and report to the Legislature 12 months after the organization of the pilot program and within six months after its expiration. The reports are to include the impact of the pilot program on criminal sentencing and the court's calendar and workload. The report also would evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommend whether the program should be continued or expanded.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a three-year Gun Court Pilot Program in Passaic County's Superior Court to address the increasing use of guns in violent crimes. The program allows the court to refer criminal cases involving guns or other dangerous weapons to a specialized Gun Court, with judges specifically selected for their extensive knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and sentencing related to violent crime. The Administrative Office of the Courts will administer the program and is required to monitor its effectiveness, submitting two reports to the Legislature: one 12 months after the program's organization and another within six months of its expiration. These reports will assess the program's impact on criminal sentencing, court workload, and overall effectiveness, and will recommend whether the program should be continued or expanded to other counties. The judges' decisions will be binding but can be appealed to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. The bill aims to provide a more focused and expedient approach to adjudicating gun-related criminal cases, with the ultimate goal of addressing the public safety concerns posed by weapons-related crimes in urban areas.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4200 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4200_I1.HTM |
Loading...