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.A.2C:29-9. The bill specifies that the OPD's responsibilities will include cases where defendants are charged with contempt for violating orders issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991. However, it explicitly 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.

The legislation aims to expand the OPD's role in ensuring legal representation for individuals facing significant consequences, such as imprisonment, due to contempt charges stemming from domestic violence orders. This change aligns with recommendation 29 from the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice, reflecting a commitment to enhancing legal support for vulnerable populations in domestic violence cases. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.