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Bill > A5614
NJ A5614
NJ A5614Requires Division of Parole to establish residency restrictions for certain sex offenders.
summary
Introduced
05/05/2025
05/05/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Division of Parole to establish residency restrictions for certain sex offenders. The bill defines "sex offender" as a person sentenced to a special sentence of parole supervision for life for the commission of a sex offense which involves a victim under 18 years of age and who has been designated as high-risk of reoffending. Under the provisions of this bill, the Director of the Division of Parole in the State Parole Board is required to establish Statewide residency restrictions for sex offenders. The residency restrictions are required to include, but are not limited to, prohibiting the sex offender from residing within 500 feet of the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground. The restrictions would not apply if: 1) the sex offender is serving a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility, or other correctional institution or facility which is located within 500 feet of the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground; 2) the sex offender is receiving treatment at a mental health facility located within 500 feet of the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground; 3) the sex offender established the residence prior to the bill's effective date; 4) an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground is built or established within 500 feet of the sex offender's existing residence; 5) the parole board, after considering a sex offender's housing options, determines that a needs based exception is required; or 6) a court that discharges the sex offender from a psychiatric facility determines that an exemption is appropriate. Finally, the bill provides that the parole officer who is assigned to supervise a sex offender is required to utilize the residency requirements established by the Division of Parole when approving the residence or change of residence of a sex offender.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Division of Parole to establish statewide residency restrictions for certain high-risk sex offenders who have committed offenses involving victims under 18 years old. Specifically, the bill prohibits these sex offenders from residing within 500 feet of elementary or secondary schools, child care centers, or playgrounds, with several notable exceptions. These exceptions include situations where the offender is currently incarcerated near such facilities, receiving treatment at a mental health facility near these locations, had established their residence before the bill's effective date, or if a school or playground is built near their existing residence after they move in. The bill also allows for needs-based exceptions determined by the parole board or exemptions granted by a court that has discharged the offender from a psychiatric facility. Additionally, parole officers are required to use these residency restrictions when approving an offender's current or new residence. The definitions of "child care center" and "playground" are referenced from existing state laws, and the bill will take effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment, with provisions for the Division of Parole to take preparatory administrative actions in advance.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee (on 05/08/2025)
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/A5614 |
| Analysis - Statement AJU 5/8/25 | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5614_S1.PDF |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5614_I1.HTM |
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