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Bill > S1546
NJ S1546
NJ S1546Requires additional fines for certain crimes against minors to fund Amber Alert system.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill imposes a $400 assessment on persons convicted of certain crimes committed against minors. The money collected is to be forwarded to the State Treasurer to be placed in a fund called the "Amber Alert Fund" which the bill establishes. The Attorney General is required to distribute the money from the fund to the Missing Persons Clearinghouse in the Division of the State Police's Missing Persons Unit for the purpose of making enhancements to the Amber Alert system. After enhancements to the system have been made, any additional money from the fund shall be used for programs designed to recover abducted children. The crimes for which the $400 would be assessed are: interference with custody; luring a child into a motor vehicle, structure, or isolated area; exposing one's intimate parts to a child; and endangering the welfare of a child. The following crimes would also be subject to the $400 fee in situations where the victim is under the age of 18 years: murder, assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and aggravated criminal sexual contact.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a dedicated "Amber Alert Fund" to enhance the Amber Alert system, which is a critical tool for locating missing children. It mandates a $400 assessment, in addition to any other penalties, on individuals convicted of specific crimes against minors, including interference with custody, luring a child, exposing oneself to a child, and endangering a child's welfare. This fee will also apply to more serious crimes like murder, assault, kidnapping, and sexual assault if the victim is under 18 years old. The collected funds will be sent to the State Treasurer and then distributed by the Attorney General to the Missing Persons Clearinghouse within the Division of State Police. Initially, these funds will be used to improve the Amber Alert system, and any remaining money will support programs aimed at recovering abducted children. The bill also clarifies how these new assessments will be collected and prioritized alongside other fines and restitution.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1546 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1546_I1.HTM |
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