This bill amends the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) to ensure that final restraining orders remain effective even after the death of the plaintiff, as long as there are other protected individuals listed on the order. It clarifies that the order does not automatically terminate upon the death of the primary recipient, thereby extending protection to additional individuals. Furthermore, the bill requires prosecutors to notify all individuals protected by a final restraining order when a defendant charged with domestic violence is released from custody, addressing a gap in current law that only mandates notification to the victim.

In addition to these key provisions, the bill introduces amendments to the procedures surrounding restraining orders. It stipulates that only the judge who issued the final restraining order can dissolve or modify it, and mandates a search of the domestic violence central registry prior to issuing any orders. These changes aim to enhance the legal framework for addressing domestic violence in New Jersey, ensuring the rights and safety of all individuals listed in the restraining order are prioritized.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-26.1, 2C:25-29