This bill amends the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) to ensure that final restraining orders remain in effect after the death of the plaintiff, provided that there are additional protected individuals listed on the order. Currently, these orders do not automatically expire upon the death of the recipient, but this legislation clarifies that the protections will continue for other designated individuals, thereby enhancing their safety and legal standing.

Furthermore, the bill requires prosecutors to notify not only the primary victim of domestic violence but also all other individuals listed as protected persons when a defendant is released from custody. This amendment addresses a gap in existing law, which previously mandated notification only for the victim, ensuring that all protected individuals are informed and can take necessary precautions. The bill also includes provisions related to the issuance and enforcement of restraining orders, such as considerations for firearm possession and the establishment of multilingual templates for orders.

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