This bill amends New Jersey's Rules of Evidence to allow the admission of evidence regarding prior acts of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual offenses in related criminal prosecutions. Specifically, it permits the prosecution to introduce such evidence, provided it is not used to prove conduct on a specific occasion and is deemed admissible by the trial judge under Rule 403. This change aims to address the unique challenges faced in prosecuting these offenses, where corroborating evidence is often scarce due to the nature of the crimes, which typically occur in private settings without witnesses or recording devices.

The bill seeks to align New Jersey's evidentiary rules with those of several other states that already permit the introduction of prior acts in similar cases. By allowing this evidence, the legislation aims to provide a more comprehensive context for the jury, enhance the prosecution's ability to establish guilt, and counter common defenses that have historically allowed offenders to evade accountability. Ultimately, the bill is designed to improve the likelihood of successful prosecutions for domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, thereby addressing significant public safety concerns.