The bill amends various sections of the New Jersey Code of Youth Justice to enhance the management of juvenile delinquency cases and improve the treatment of juveniles within the justice system. It introduces the official title "New Jersey Code of Youth Justice" and clarifies key definitions, including "juvenile," "adult," and "juvenile-family crisis." The bill outlines procedures for prosecutors to waive jurisdiction over juvenile cases and establishes guidelines for juvenile detention, ensuring that juveniles are not placed in adult facilities. It mandates the collection and analysis of data on jurisdiction waivers and requires the inclusion of victim statements in predisposition reports, emphasizing the importance of victim input in the juvenile justice process.

Additionally, the bill enhances the framework for juvenile justice services by establishing a Youth Justice Commission to oversee programs and sanctions at various levels. It introduces a State/Community Partnership Grant Program to support county youth services commissions in providing necessary facilities and services for juveniles. The bill also addresses mental health protocols in juvenile detention facilities, mandates training for detention officers, and sets strict guidelines for the use of room restriction. Overall, the amendments aim to promote accountability, rehabilitation, and public safety while ensuring that the rights of juveniles and victims are protected throughout the process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-20, 2A:4A-22, 2A:4A-26.1, 2A:4A-37, 2A:4A-42, 2A:4A-43, 2A:4A-43.4, 2A:4A-44, 2A:4A-44.1, 2A:4A-44.2, 2A:4A-44.3, 2A:4A-44.4, 2A:4A-60, 2C:7-2, 2C:7-3, 2C:7-4, 2C:14-14, 2C:29-10, 2C:33-15.1, 2C:43-2.2, 2C:46-4, 2C:58-6.1, 9:6-8.40, 9:22-9, 9:23-2, 11A:2-11.1, 18A:7B-4, 18A:7B-5, 18A:7B-7, 18A:7B-12, 18A:7B-13, 18A:7C-12, 18A:7F-24, 18A:7F-45, 18A:71B-88, 18A:71B-89, 18A:71B-90, 18A:71B-96, 30:4-6.2, 30:4-27.26, 30:4-82.4, 30:4-91.15, 30:4-123.45, 30:4-123.103, 30:4-157.4, 30:4-157.7, 30:7E-7, 30:8-63, 30:9A-25, 34:15C-6, 34:15F-12, 40A:14-200, 52:4B-8.1, 52:16A-26.10, 52:17B-67, 52:17B-169, 52:17B-170, 52:17B-171.1, 52:17B-171.2, 52:17B-171.3, 52:17B-171.5, 52:17B-171.6, 52:17B-171.7, 52:17B-171.8, 52:17B-171.9, 52:17B-171.10, 52:17B-171.11, 52:17B-171.12, 52:17B-171.13, 52:17B-171.14, 52:17B-172, 52:17B-174, 52:17B-176, 52:17B-178, 52:17B-179, 52:17B-180, 52:17B-183, 55:19-60
Advance Law: 2A:4A-20, 2A:4A-22, 2A:4A-26.1, 2A:4A-37, 2A:4A-42, 2A:4A-43, 2A:4A-43.4, 2A:4A-44, 2A:4A-44.1, 2A:4A-44.2, 2A:4A-44.3, 2A:4A-44.4, 2A:4A-60, 2C:7-2, 2C:7-3, 2C:7-4, 2C:14-14, 2C:29-10, 2C:33-15.1, 2C:43-2.2, 2C:46-4, 2C:58-6.1, 9:6-8.40, 9:22-9, 9:23-2, 11A:2-11.1, 18A:7B-4, 18A:7B-5, 18A:7B-7, 18A:7B-12, 18A:7B-13, 18A:7C-12, 18A:7F-24, 18A:7F-45, 18A:71B-88, 18A:71B-89, 18A:71B-90, 18A:71B-96, 30:4-6.2, 30:4-27.26, 30:4-82.4, 30:4-91.15, 30:4-123.45, 30:4-123.103, 30:4-157.4, 30:4-157.7, 30:7E-7, 30:8-63, 30:9A-25, 34:15C-6, 34:15F-12, 40A:14-200, 52:4B-8.1, 52:16A-26.10, 52:17B-67, 52:17B-169, 52:17B-170, 52:17B-171.1, 52:17B-171.2, 52:17B-171.3, 52:17B-171.5, 52:17B-171.6, 52:17B-171.7, 52:17B-171.8, 52:17B-171.9, 52:17B-171.10, 52:17B-171.11, 52:17B-171.12, 52:17B-171.13, 52:17B-171.14, 52:17B-172, 52:17B-174, 52:17B-176, 52:17B-178, 52:17B-179, 52:17B-180, 52:17B-183, 55:19-60
Pamphlet Law: 2A:4A-20, 2A:4A-22, 2A:4A-26.1, 2A:4A-37, 2A:4A-42, 2A:4A-43, 2A:4A-43.4, 2A:4A-44, 2A:4A-44.1, 2A:4A-44.2, 2A:4A-44.3, 2A:4A-44.4, 2A:4A-60, 2C:7-2, 2C:7-3, 2C:7-4, 2C:14-14, 2C:29-10, 2C:33-15.1, 2C:43-2.2, 2C:46-4, 2C:58-6.1, 9:6-8.40, 9:22-9, 9:23-2, 11A:2-11.1, 18A:7B-4, 18A:7B-5, 18A:7B-7, 18A:7B-12, 18A:7B-13, 18A:7C-12, 18A:7F-24, 18A:7F-45, 18A:71B-88, 18A:71B-89, 18A:71B-90, 18A:71B-96, 30:4-6.2, 30:4-27.26, 30:4-82.4, 30:4-91.15, 30:4-123.45, 30:4-123.103, 30:4-157.4, 30:4-157.7, 30:7E-7, 30:8-63, 30:9A-25, 34:15C-6, 34:15F-12, 40A:14-200, 52:4B-8.1, 52:16A-26.10, 52:17B-67, 52:17B-169, 52:17B-170, 52:17B-171.1, 52:17B-171.2, 52:17B-171.3, 52:17B-171.5, 52:17B-171.6, 52:17B-171.7, 52:17B-171.8, 52:17B-171.9, 52:17B-171.10, 52:17B-171.11, 52:17B-171.12, 52:17B-171.13, 52:17B-171.14, 52:17B-172, 52:17B-174, 52:17B-176, 52:17B-178, 52:17B-179, 52:17B-180, 52:17B-183, 55:19-60