The proposed bill establishes a comprehensive electronic monitoring program for offenders charged with or convicted of serious crimes, including sexual assault, human trafficking, kidnapping, and domestic violence. The program will be overseen by the Attorney General and the State Parole Board, requiring that victims are notified and provide informed consent before monitoring is imposed. Courts must conduct hearings to evaluate the potential danger posed by the defendant, considering factors such as the defendant's history of violence and access to weapons. The bill also mandates that defendants receive counseling while under monitoring and introduces a fee structure, including an initial fee of $250 and a daily fee of $50, which can be waived for those facing financial hardship.

Additionally, the bill creates the Electronic Monitoring and Crime Victim Notification Fund to manage fees and penalties collected, which will support the monitoring program. It includes civil penalties for domestic violence-related offenses and makes tampering with monitoring devices a third-degree crime. The legislation also establishes a 24/7 electronic tracking system to notify both the defendant and the victim of proximity, grants immunity to suppliers of monitoring products from liability, and streamlines procurement processes. The bill appropriates $15 million for the program, with annual evaluation reports required from the Attorney General for four years post-implementation, ensuring accountability and prompt investigation of noncompliance by defendants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:11-5, 2C:25-19