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Bill > AJR32
NJ AJR32
NJ AJR32Permits evidence of prompt reports of sexual assault or employment discrimination be admissible as hearsay exception.
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 Joint Resolution amends the Rules of Evidence to permit the jury to consider a statement by a declarant as it relates to sexual assault or employment discrimination in certain cases. The resolution permits statements by the declarant relating to sexual assault or employment discrimination when: (i) the complaint was made spontaneously and voluntarily, (ii) within a reasonable amount of time after the crime had occurred, and (iii) to a person the victim ordinarily would turn to for support. The resolution permits admission of declarant's statement for the purposes of assessing the credibility of the complainant with respect to the commission of the offense; to negate the inference that the victim's initial delay or silence means the complaint was fabricated; or when relevant, and to the extent necessary, to explain the investigative process and complete the narrative of events leading to the defendant's arrest.
AI Summary
This joint resolution allows for the admission of "fresh complaint" evidence in cases of sexual assault or employment discrimination, meaning that statements made by a victim about such incidents can be considered by a jury even if they would normally be excluded as hearsay (out-of-court statements offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted). Specifically, the resolution permits these statements if they were made spontaneously and voluntarily, within a reasonable time after the incident, and to someone the victim would typically seek support from. This evidence can be used to assess the credibility of the complainant, to counter the idea that a delay in reporting means the complaint is false, or to help explain the investigation process and the events leading to an arrest.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (9)
Carol Murphy (D)*,
Rosaura Bagolie (D),
Linda Carter (D),
Vicky Flynn (R),
Tennille McCoy (D),
Carmen Morales (D),
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
Heather Simmons (D),
Cleopatra Tucker (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/AJR32 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/AJR/32_I1.HTM |
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