Bill > A6310

This bill codifies an Attorney General Directive aimed at strengthening trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities by clarifying the roles of state and local police versus federal immigration authorities. It prohibits state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers from engaging in racially-influenced policing or enforcing federal civil immigration laws, such as stopping, arresting, or detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status or inquiring about it unless necessary for an ongoing investigation of an indictable offense. The bill also restricts state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in various ways, including participating in civil immigration enforcement operations or providing access to certain personal information or facilities, with specific exceptions for individuals charged with or convicted of serious offenses. Furthermore, it mandates procedures for processing T-visa and U-visa certifications for victims of crime and human trafficking, requires prosecutors to inform defendants of potential immigration consequences of their cases, and prohibits presenting a defendant's immigration status to a jury unless it's directly relevant and admissible. The bill also establishes reporting requirements for instances where prohibited assistance is provided to federal immigration authorities and mandates training for law enforcement officers on these new requirements, alongside public education efforts by county prosecutors.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A6310