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Bill > A479
NJ A479
NJ A479Establishes affirmative defense to prosecution for any crime committed by victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances.
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 establishes an affirmative defense to prosecution for crimes committed by a victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances. Under current law, it is a defense to a prosecution for the following crimes if the perpetrator of the offense is a victim of human trafficking: human trafficking; providing services, resources, or assistance with the knowledge that the services, resources, or assistance are intended to be used in furtherance of the commission of the crime of human trafficking; and prostitution and related offenses. This bill establishes an affirmative defense for human trafficking victims charged with any offense enumerated in Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes if: (1) during the time of the alleged commission of the offense, the defendant was a victim of human trafficking; and (2) the crime was committed as a direct result of the human trafficking offense that was committed against the defendant. The bill further provides that an affirmative defense under the bill is not precluded based solely on the lack of a conviction for the underlying human trafficking offense committed against the victim.
AI Summary
This bill establishes an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking who are prosecuted for crimes committed as a direct result of their trafficking, meaning they can argue in court that their actions were a consequence of the abuse they suffered. This defense applies to any crime listed in Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, which covers a wide range of offenses, and is available even if the victim has not been convicted of the underlying human trafficking offense committed against them. The bill amends existing laws related to human trafficking, providing this defense for those charged with human trafficking itself, as well as those charged with crimes related to prostitution and providing services to further human trafficking.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
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/A479 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/479_I1.HTM |
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