The bill establishes a one-year pilot program called the Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program, which will operate in Monmouth and Union counties. This program aims to provide support and services, including biopsychosocial assessments and treatment, to eligible defendants on pretrial release, with the goal of improving their health and social well-being, enhancing court appearance rates, and ensuring public safety. The program will be overseen by a newly created Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Commission, which will select an approved pretrial community support provider to deliver the necessary services. The bill emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior through comprehensive support services.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legislation to allow courts to consider a defendant's participation in the pilot program when making charging decisions and sentencing recommendations. It introduces new criteria for pretrial risk assessments, ensuring that certain marijuana-related offenses are not considered as risk factors, and mandates the collection of demographic information to promote non-discriminatory practices. The bill also specifies that no state funds will be allocated to the approved provider for the pilot program, and the Administrative Office of the Courts is authorized to adopt guidance for implementation, although the absence of such guidance will not delay the program's launch.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:162-17, 2A:162-20, 2A:162-25