This bill amends existing legislation regarding pretrial release and detention, specifically in 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 emphasizes that while the court must still consider the Pretrial Services Program's risk assessment and recommendations, the urgency of the 48-hour rule does not apply in firearm-related cases. This change aims to ensure that courts have adequate time to evaluate the circumstances surrounding firearm offenses before making a pretrial release decision, thereby enhancing public safety and judicial efficiency.

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