The proposed bill establishes the Youth Detention Task Force in New Jersey, aimed at evaluating the current state of youth detention and recommending an optimal system for serving this population. The task force will assess existing county youth detention facilities, those managed by the Youth Justice Commission, and potential alternative systems. It will consider various factors such as available resources, safety protocols, staff training, rehabilitation opportunities, and overall facility conditions. The task force will consist of 25 members, including four legislative members, ten ex officio members from various state departments, and public members appointed by both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly, as well as three members with expertise in youth offender adjudication appointed by the Governor.

The task force is required to organize within 60 days of a majority of its members being appointed and will be supported administratively by the Youth Justice Commission. It is tasked with submitting a report of its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of its initial meeting. The bill stipulates that it will take effect immediately upon enactment and will expire 30 days after the submission of the report. This initiative follows a December 2024 ruling by the Superior Court, which determined that the Youth Justice Commission is responsible for the placement of detained youth, prompting a comprehensive examination of the state's youth detention system.