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Bill > S4243
NJ S4243
NJ S4243Renders contracts to provide criminal assistance unlawful; creates civil right of action for victims of certain criminal conduct.
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 renders void certain agreements, and creates a statutory right of action for certain crime victims. Under the bill, an act of concealment, alteration, or destruction of evidence that is intended to thwart law enforcement detection of an alleged offender in exchange for money or non-monetary compensation is defined as rendering criminal assistance. The agreement itself, whether written or oral, express or implied, is rendered void. Moreover, the victim of the crime is granted a private right of action against the person or private entity who entered into the agreement. Under the bill, a person or private entity "renders criminal assistance" when, with the intent to prevent, hinder, or delay the discovery or apprehension of an alleged offender who such person or private entity knows or believes has committed a crime or is being sought by law enforcement for the commission of a crime, commits any act of concealment, alteration, or destruction of any physical evidence which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of the alleged offender in exchange for money or non-monetary compensation. This bill is based on legislation pending in the New York Legislature known as "Cassie's Law."
AI Summary
This bill creates a new legal framework to address agreements that involve helping criminals avoid detection by concealing, altering, or destroying evidence. Specifically, the bill defines "rendering criminal assistance" as any act intended to prevent, hinder, or delay law enforcement's discovery or apprehension of an alleged offender, done in exchange for money or other compensation. The bill declares any contract or agreement involving such assistance to be void and against public policy. Additionally, the bill grants crime victims the right to file a civil lawsuit against individuals or private entities (defined as any non-public organization or person) who engage in such criminal assistance. Victims have up to five years from the date they discover the concealment to file their lawsuit, and this new legal right is designed to supplement existing legal remedies without replacing them. Notably, the bill is based on pending legislation in New York known as "Cassie's Law" and is aimed at providing victims with a legal mechanism to seek recourse against those who intentionally help criminals evade justice.
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
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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/S4243 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4243_I1.HTM |
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