This bill amends the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) process in New Jersey to enhance the evaluation of firearms as a public safety risk. It requires that the approved risk assessment instrument used by the Pretrial Services Program consider any charge related to the use or possession of a firearm as a relevant risk factor for both the likelihood of failure to appear in court and the potential danger to the community while on pretrial release. This change is prompted by findings from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation (SCI), which highlighted the increasing prevalence of illegal firearms, including ghost guns and modified weapons, that pose significant threats to public safety.

The bill emphasizes the need for the Judiciary to reassess the PSA risk factors to better reflect the dangers associated with firearms, particularly in light of recent trends in illegal firearm use. It points out that reckless discharges of firearms in public should be classified as violent offenses, as they inherently carry the risk of harming innocent bystanders. By incorporating these considerations into the risk assessment process, the bill aims to ensure that the judicial system adequately addresses the evolving landscape of firearm-related crime and enhances community safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:162-20, 2A:162-25