Harmful Legislation
Last year, New Jersey considered a series of bills that would have put children at serious risk by expanding the use of adult prosecution. These proposals sought to make it easier to try and sentence kids — in some cases as young as 6 — in the adult criminal legal system, despite decades of research showing that children’s brains are still developing and that they respond best to rehabilitation, not punishment.
The four bills highlighted below illustrate how far backward the state could have moved for youth justice. As the new legislative cycle begins, check back here for updates on which proposals resurface and how you can take action to oppose them.
| Bill | Primary Sponsor(s) | Co-Sponsor(s) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5721/S4438 | Patrick Diegnan Linda Greenstein Joe Danielsen |
Kristin Corrado Angela McKnight |
This bill would dramatically expand the number of children who can be pushed into the adult criminal system — including young kids of any age. Right now in New Jersey, only youth 15 and older can be considered for transfer to adult court, and only for a narrow list of the most serious offenses. But this bill would:
In practice, this means even very young children could be funneled into an adult system that is not designed for them, not safe for them, and proven to cause lifelong harm. |
| S3500 | Jon Bramnick | This bill would automatically send all 16- and 17-year-olds to adult court for any offense, even low-level ones, as long as there is probable cause. It removes judges’ ability to consider a young person’s circumstances, development, or needs and forces young people into a system that is harsher, less safe, and far less effective. Fifteen-year-olds would also remain eligible for waiver, expanding the funnel of kids pushed into adult prosecution. |
|
| S4837 | Michael Testa Anthony Bucco |
This bill would require young people 15 and older to be sent to adult court for certain homicide cases that involve stalking. |
