This bill aims to enhance the safety and rights of cooperating witnesses in New Jersey by authorizing the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) to cover expenses related to their safety, including relocation costs for witnesses and their families. It updates the definitions of "cooperating witness" and "witness," clarifying that a cooperating witness is someone who assists law enforcement in prosecuting a crime, while a witness is defined as anyone who has observed a crime and faces threats due to their cooperation. Additionally, the bill expands the Crime Victims Bill of Rights to include specific protections for cooperating witnesses, ensuring they receive information about available safety measures and assistance during trial proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Division of Criminal Justice to allocate funds from the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to various service providers and county programs that support victims of violence, including those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. It mandates that prosecutors and law enforcement take necessary precautions to protect victims and witnesses from harm, and it requires courts to implement procedures to ensure the safety of witnesses during trials. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more supportive environment for those who assist in the criminal justice process, thereby encouraging cooperation with law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:4B-12.1, 52:4B-36, 52:4B-43.1