Bill
Bill > S4536
NJ S4536
Requires juveniles to be tried as adult for certain serious offenses under No Early Release Act.
summary
Introduced
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
In Committee
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill revises the juvenile waiver law to require a juvenile, regardless of the juvenile's age, to be tried as an adult for crimes committed under the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). Under current law, juveniles 15 years of age and older at the time of the alleged delinquent act who are charged with certain offenses, including criminal homicide other than death by auto, are eligible to be waived to adult criminal court. This bill expands the list of crimes to include all NERA crimes. In addition, under this bill a juvenile may be waived into adult court regardless of the juvenile's age. The crimes listed under the NERA include murder; aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter; vehicular homicide; aggravated assault; disarming a law enforcement officer; kidnapping; aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; robbery; carjacking; aggravated arson; burglary; extortion; booby traps in manufacturing or distribution facilities; strict liability for drug induced deaths; terrorism; producing or possessing chemical weapons; biological agents or nuclear or radiological devices; racketeering offenses; firearms trafficking; certain child pornography offenses; home invasion; burglary; and residential burglary
AI Summary
This bill revises the juvenile waiver law to require juveniles, regardless of their age, to be tried as adults for specific serious crimes listed under the No Early Release Act (NERA). Currently, only juveniles 15 years and older could be waived to adult criminal court for certain offenses, but this bill expands the criteria to include all NERA crimes for juveniles of any age. The No Early Release Act includes serious offenses such as murder, aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, carjacking, and various other violent and drug-related crimes. Under the new provisions, if there is probable cause that a juvenile committed a NERA-listed crime, the court must transfer the case to adult court without the juvenile's consent, removing previous age restrictions. The bill aims to ensure that juveniles who commit serious offenses are prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system, potentially facing more severe penalties. The legislation also requires the Youth Justice Commission to collect and publish data on these waiver cases, including demographic information and processing details, to provide transparency and insights into the implementation of this policy.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 05/29/2025)
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/S4536 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4536_I1.HTM |
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