This bill mandates that the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with contempt violations related to domestic violence orders. Specifically, it applies to those charged under N.J.S.A.2C:29-9 for violating orders issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991. However, the bill excludes certain types of orders from this provision, such as those concerning parenting time, monetary compensation for victims, professional counseling, and rent or mortgage payments, which do not qualify for OPD representation.

The legislation aims to expand the OPD's responsibilities to ensure that indigent defendants facing potential imprisonment or significant consequences due to contempt charges related to domestic violence orders receive legal support. This initiative aligns with recommendation 29 from the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice, reflecting a commitment to enhancing legal protections for vulnerable individuals in domestic violence situations.