Bill

Bill > SJR29


NJ SJR29

NJ SJR29
Makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct."


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This joint resolution makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct." P.L.2020, Joint Resolution No. 3 (SJR-79) established this commission on a temporary basis to examine issues affecting the safety and rights of inmates in State correctional facilities, such as official misconduct convictions, pending criminal charges, and civil allegations by Edna Mahan inmates of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment against correctional police officers, other staff members, contractors, and volunteers working in the facility. The temporary commission is required to issue a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations no later than six months after the organizational meeting of the commission. A final report, including legislative proposals, is due within one year of the organizational meeting of the temporary commission. But if the temporary commission concludes it needs more time to deliberate the issues, it may continue those deliberations for two periods of six months each. The temporary commission is to expire when it submits its final report. This joint resolution makes this temporary commission permanent when the temporary commission expires. The permanent commission would be required to submit annual reports, including recommendations for legislation. The annual reports of the permanent commission are to be made available on the official Department of Corrections website.

AI Summary

This joint resolution makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct," which was initially established on a temporary basis to investigate issues concerning the safety and rights of inmates in New Jersey's correctional facilities, particularly in light of allegations of sexual assault and misconduct at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. The permanent commission will continue the work of the temporary one, which includes assessing compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), examining investigation procedures for sexual misconduct allegations, considering staff ratios and search policies, and exploring the possibility of a citizen oversight board. The permanent commission will be responsible for submitting annual reports with findings and legislative recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, and these reports will be publicly available on the Department of Corrections website.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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