This bill aims to enhance the protection of children and youth in New Jersey by prohibiting sex offenders from holding jobs that primarily involve contact with children, defined as positions where 80 percent or more of the duties include interaction with minors. The bill classifies a "sex offender" as anyone convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a sex offense as outlined in the state's sex offender registration law.

Under the proposed legislation, it would be classified as a crime of the third degree for a sex offender to hold such a job, as well as for an employer to knowingly hire a sex offender for these positions. A third-degree crime carries potential penalties of three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. However, the bill includes a provision exempting participation by sex offenders under 18 years of age in jobs that provide rehabilitative or other services to juvenile sex offenders.