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 concerns criminal investigations of law enforcement officers. Under the provisions of this bill, every county prosecutor is required to notify the Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability prior to beginning a criminal investigation regarding allegations of misconduct by a State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer. The bill provides that upon notification, the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is required to supervise the investigation for the purpose of ensuring the investigation is conducted in an objective manner. In addition, under the provisions of this bill, whenever there is an allegation of misconduct by a State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer, the Attorney General may supersede the county prosecutor of the county in which the incident occurred for the purpose of conducting any investigation, criminal action, or proceeding if, in the opinion of the Attorney General, the interests of the State will be furthered by doing so. Finally, under the bill, the Attorney General is to issue or amend guidelines or directives necessary to effectuate the provisions of this bill.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that county prosecutors must inform the Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (a state office established to investigate sensitive matters, including law enforcement misconduct) before starting any criminal investigation into alleged misconduct by any state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer, defined as someone with the authority to detect, apprehend, arrest, and convict offenders. Following this notification, the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability will oversee the investigation to ensure it is conducted impartially. Furthermore, the Attorney General is empowered to take over any investigation, criminal action, or proceeding from a county prosecutor if they believe it would benefit the state, and the Attorney General will also issue or update any necessary guidelines to implement these changes.
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/S261 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/261_I1.HTM |
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