This bill mandates that the Office of Public Defender (OPD) provide legal representation to indigent defendants charged with contempt violations related to domestic violence orders, specifically those under N.J.S.2C:29-9. The bill clarifies that the OPD's responsibilities will include defendants charged with contempt for violating orders issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, while excluding certain types of orders from this provision. These excluded orders include those related to parenting time, monetary compensation for victims, professional counseling, and financial obligations like rent or mortgage payments.

The legislation aims to enhance legal support for individuals facing serious consequences due to contempt charges stemming from domestic violence orders, aligning with recommendations from the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. By expanding the scope of representation provided by the OPD, the bill seeks to ensure that indigent defendants receive adequate legal assistance in these critical situations, while also delineating the specific types of orders that do not qualify for such representation.