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 those under N.J.S.A.2C:29-9. The bill supplements Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes and clarifies that the OPD's representation will not extend to contempt violations associated with certain domestic violence orders, such as those concerning parenting time, monetary compensation for victims, professional counseling, or rent/mortgage payments. These exclusions are specified to ensure that only specific contempt violations are covered under the OPD's responsibilities.

The legislation aims to enhance legal support for individuals facing serious consequences due to contempt charges stemming from domestic violence orders, aligning with the recommendations from the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. By focusing on indigent defendants, the bill seeks to ensure fair legal representation in cases that could lead to significant penalties, while also delineating the boundaries of the OPD's obligations regarding various types of domestic violence orders. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.