Bill
Bill > A1060
NJ A1060
NJ A1060Eliminates presumption of pretrial release for sex offenses committed against minor.
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 eliminates the presumption of pretrial release for defendants charged with a sex offense, if the alleged victim of the offense is a minor. Under P.L.2014, c.31, also known as the Criminal Justice Reform Law, criminal courts are authorized to order the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or order pretrial detention of a defendant who is found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. Currently, the Criminal Justice Reform Law establishes a presumption for some form of pretrial release, except with respect to an eligible defendant charged with: murder; a crime for which the eligible defendant would be subject to an ordinary or extended term of life imprisonment; theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle under certain circumstances; or a crime under any statute of the United States, this State, or any other state that is substantially equivalent. Under the bill, the presumption of pretrial release also would not apply to an eligible defendant charged with a sex offense, as defined under Megan's Law pursuant to subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), if the alleged victim is under 18 years of age.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Criminal Justice Reform Law, enacted in 2014, to remove the presumption of pretrial release for individuals accused of sex offenses when the alleged victim is under 18 years old. Previously, this law generally presumed that defendants would be released before trial unless they were deemed a flight risk, a danger to others or the community, or likely to obstruct justice, with specific exceptions for serious crimes like murder or certain motor vehicle offenses. Now, this presumption will also not apply to those charged with sex offenses against minors, meaning judges will have more discretion to detain such defendants pending trial, rather than starting with the assumption of release. Megan's Law, referenced in the bill, is a statute related to sex offender registration and notification.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary 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/A1060 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1500/1060_I1.HTM |
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