This bill amends existing legislation regarding pretrial release and detention, specifically addressing cases involving firearm offenses. It allows courts to extend the time for making a pretrial release decision beyond the current requirement of 48 hours after an eligible defendant's commitment to jail if the defendant is charged with a crime or offense related to the use or possession of a firearm. The additional time granted to the court is limited to what is reasonably necessary for conducting a firearms ballistic analysis.

The bill modifies Section 2 and Section 3 of P.L.2014, c.31, by inserting provisions that permit this extension in the context of firearm-related charges. This change aims to ensure that courts have adequate time to consider the implications of firearm offenses when determining pretrial release, thereby enhancing public safety and the integrity of the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:162-16, 2A:162-17