This bill mandates that the New Jersey Supreme Court dismiss and recall unresolved charges, complaints, and arrest warrants from municipal courts that have been pending for five years or more. The bill specifically targets petty disorderly persons offenses and disorderly persons offenses, including but not limited to simple assault, shoplifting under $200, disorderly conduct, harassment, and possession of small amounts of marijuana. It explicitly states that these dismissals will not apply to violations of municipal ordinances, allowing municipalities to maintain their enforcement and revenue collection.

Additionally, the bill requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to conduct two studies within six months of its enactment. The first study will assess the feasibility of expanding existing municipal court programs for conditional dismissal and discharge to facilitate the dismissal of the specified unresolved charges. The second study will explore the potential for a program similar to the federal Fugitive Safe Surrender Program, which encourages individuals charged with non-violent offenses to voluntarily surrender in a supportive environment. This legislation aims to alleviate the backlog in the court system and provide individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, with the opportunity to move forward without the burden of old, low-level offenses.