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 would require a defendant convicted of, or placed on probation or has a sentence suspended for, a domestic violence offense, to attend domestic violence counseling. Under current law a court may, in its discretion, require the defendant to receive professional counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court. Under the bill, in cases in which a defendant is found guilty of a crime or offense involving domestic violence, or where the court suspends the imposition of a sentence or places the defendant on probation for a domestic violence offense, the court would be required to order the defendant to participate in and complete a program of professional counseling. In all cases of court-ordered domestic violence counseling under the bill, the professional administering the counseling is required to have expertise in individual or group domestic violence counseling. This bill is modeled after similar laws in California, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that individuals convicted of, or placed on probation for, domestic violence offenses must attend domestic violence counseling, a change from current law where such counseling is discretionary. The bill specifies that this mandatory counseling must be administered by professionals with expertise in individual or group domestic violence counseling. Furthermore, if a court suspends a sentence or places a defendant on probation for a domestic violence offense, the court is now required to order the defendant to participate in and complete a professional counseling program as a condition of their sentence. This legislation is modeled after similar laws in California, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
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/A3374 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3374_I1.HTM |
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