Bill
Bill > A520
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 makes it a crime of the third degree to knowingly or willfully make a false report of child abuse. A crime of the third degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Also, the bill permits the assessment of an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000, payable to the State Treasurer for use by the Department of Children and Families.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new crime making it illegal for someone to knowingly or willfully report child abuse or neglect when they know the report is false, classifying this offense as a crime of the third degree, which typically carries a prison sentence of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. In addition to any criminal penalties, the bill also allows for an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000 to be imposed, with these funds going to the State Treasurer for the Department of Children and Families, an agency responsible for child welfare.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
Bob Auth (R)*,
John Azzariti (R)*,
Robert Clifton (R),
Chris DePhillips (R),
John DiMaio (R),
Aura Dunn (R),
Erik Peterson (R),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A520 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/520_I1.HTM |
Loading...