Bill Text: NJ A1897 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Chaptered


Bill Title: Provides for certain criminal and civil justice reforms, particularly addressing legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as raising awareness of available expungement relief.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-02-22 - Approved P.L.2021, c.19. [A1897 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2020-A1897-Chaptered.html

§4 - C.2C:35-23.1

§5 - C.2C:52-6.1

§15 - C.34:6B-21

§16 -

C.17:16F-11.1

§17 - C.10:5-50

§§19,20 -

C.2B:1-14 &

2B:1-15

§21 - Note

 


P.L. 2021, CHAPTER 19, approved February 22, 2021

Assembly Committee Substitute (Third Reprint) for

Assembly, Nos. 1897 and 4269

 

 


An Act concerning certain criminal and civil justice reforms, particularly 1[with respect to] addressing1 the legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as 1[broadening] raising1 awareness of available expungement relief, and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     3[1.  N.J.S.2C:35-5 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:35-5.  Manufacturing, Distributing or Dispensing. a.  Except as authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely:

     (1)   To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or

     (2)   To create, distribute, or possess or have under his control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

     b.    Any person who violates subsection a. with respect to:

     (1)   Heroin, or its analog, or coca leaves and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation of coca leaves, and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation thereof which is chemically equivalent or identical with any of these substances, or analogs, except that the substances shall not include decocainized coca leaves or extractions which do not contain cocaine or ecogine,  or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  The defendant shall, except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court.  The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

     (2)   A substance referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (3)   A substance referred to paragraph (1) of this subsection in a quantity less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or

dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (4)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of one ounce or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (5)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of less than one ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (6)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of 100 milligrams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of 10 grams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, the court shall impose a term of imprisonment which shall include the imposition of a minimum term, fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed by the court, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

     (7)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 100 milligrams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 10 grams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (8)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

     (9)   (a)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (b)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone  (P2P), in a quantity of less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (10)    (a)     Marijuana in a quantity of 25 pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or 50 or more marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of five pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

     (b)   Marijuana in a quantity of five pounds or more but less than 25 pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or 10 or more but fewer than 50 marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of one pound or more but less than five pounds, including any adulterants and dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (11)  2[Marijuana] (a) Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana2 in a quantity of 1[one [ounce] pound or]1 2[more 1than]2 one ounce1 2or more2 but less than five pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of [five grams] 1[one-half pound or]1 2[more 1than]2 five grams1 2or more2 but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed;

     2(b) On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity of more than one ounce but less than five pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of more than five grams but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S2.C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000 may be imposed;2

     (12)  1[(a)   Marijuana in a quantity of two ounces or more but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of five grams or more but less than one-half pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense for a first offense, and guilty of a crime of the fourth degree for a second or subsequent offense;

     (b)]1 2[Marijuana]  (a) Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana2 in a quantity of 1[less than]1 [one ounce] 1[two ounces] 2[one ounce or]2 less1  2than one ounceincluding any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of 1[less than]1 2less than2 five grams 2[1or less1]2 including any adulterants or dilutants, is [guilty of a crime of the fourth degree] guilty of a crime of the fourth degree;

     2(b)  On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity of one ounce or less including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of five grams or less including any adulterants or dilutants, is2  1, for a first offense, 2[guilty of1 an unlawful act]2 subject to a 2[civil penalty of $50] written warning, which also indicates that any subsequent violation is a crime punishable by a term imprisonment, a fine, or both2 1[.] , and for a second or subsequent offense, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree;

     (a)  2(i)2  The odor of marijuana or hashish, or burnt marijuana or hashish, shall not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate a search of a person to determine a violation of 2subparagraph (b) of2 paragraph (12) of this subsection.   A person who violates this 2[paragraph] subparagrpah2 shall not be subject to arrest, detention, or otherwise be taken into custody, unless the person is being arrested, detained, or otherwise taken into custody for also committing another violation of law for which that action is legally permitted or required;

     (b)  2[(i)1 The civil penalty provided for in 1[this subparagraph] paragraph (12) of this subsection1 shall be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction.  A penalty recovered under the provisions of this paragraph shall be recovered by and in the name of the State by the local municipality.  The penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality;

     1(ii)]2   A person shall not be deprived of any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law solely by reason of committing a violation of 2subparagraph (b) of2  paragraph (12) of this subsection, nor shall committing one or more violations modify any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law, including, but not limited to, the granting, renewal, forfeiture, or denial of a license, permit, or certification, qualification for and the receipt, alteration, continuation, or denial of any form of financial assistance, housing assistance, or other social services, rights of or custody by a biological parent, or adoptive or foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child or newborn infant, or pregnant woman, in any action or proceeding by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, or qualification, approval, or disapproval to serve as a foster parent or other legal guardian;

     (c)     All local and county law enforcement authorities shall, following the submission process used for the uniform crime reporting system established by P.L.1966, c.37 (C.52:17B-5.1 et seq.), submit a quarterly report to the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, within the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or to another designated recipient determined by the Attorney General, containing the number of violations of 2suparagraph (b) of2 paragraph (12) of this subsection committed within their respective jurisdictions, plus the race, ethnicity, gender, and age of each person committing a violation, and the disposition of each person's violation.  These violations and associated information, along with a quarterly summary of violations investigated, and associated information collected, by the Division of State Police for the same period shall be summarized by county and municipality in an annual report, and both quarterly summaries and annual reports shall be made available at no cost to the public on the Division of State Police's Internet website;1

     (13)  Any other controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the third degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed; or

     (14)  Any Schedule V substance, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed.

     c.     Where the degree of the offense for violation of this section depends on the quantity of the substance, the quantity involved shall be determined by the trier of fact.  Where the indictment or accusation so provides, the quantity involved in individual acts of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense, whether distribution or dispensing is to the same person or several persons, provided that each individual act of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possession with intent to distribute was committed within the applicable statute of limitations.

(cf: P.L.2000, c.136, s.1)]3

     3[2.  N.J.S.2C:35-10 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:35-10.   Possession, Use or Being Under the Influence, or Failure to Make Lawful Disposition.

     a.     It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.).  Any person who violates this section with respect to:

     (1) A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV other than those specifically covered in this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$35,000.00] $35,000 may be imposed;

     (2)   Any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule V, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$15,000.00] $15,000 may be imposed; 1or1

     (3)   2[Possession] (a) Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.    ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession2 of more than [50 grams] 1[two ounces] 2[six ounces1] 50 grams2 of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than 1[five grams] 2[170 grams1] five grams2 of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000.00 may be imposed; 1[or]

     2[(a)]  (b) On and after to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of more than six ounces of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than 170 grams of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000.00 may be imposed;

     (i)2 The odor of marijuana or hashish, or burnt marijuana or hashish, shall not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate a search of a person to determine a violation of 2subparagraph (b) of2 paragraph (3) of this subsection.   A person who violates this paragraph shall not be subject to arrest, detention, or otherwise be taken into custody, unless the person is being arrested, detained, or otherwise taken into custody for also committing another violation of law for which that action is legally permitted or required;

     2[(b)] (ii)2  A person shall not be deprived of any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law solely by reason of committing a violation of 2subparagraph (b) of2 paragraph (3), nor shall committing one or more violations modify any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law, including, but not limited to, the granting, renewal, forfeiture, or denial of a license, permit, or certification, qualification for and the receipt, alteration, continuation, or denial of any form of financial assistance, housing assistance, or other social services, rights of or custody by a biological parent, or adoptive or foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child or newborn infant, or pregnant woman, in any action or proceeding by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, or qualification, approval, or disapproval to serve as a foster parent or other legal guardian;

     2[(c)] (iii)2 All local and county law enforcement authorities shall, following the submission process used for the uniform crime reporting system established by P.L.1966, c.37 (C.52:17B-5.1 et seq.), submit a quarterly report to the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, within the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or to another designated recipient determined by the Attorney General, containing the number of violations of 2subparagraph (b) of2 paragraph (3) of this subsection committed within their respective jurisdictions, plus the race, ethnicity, gender, and age of each person committing a violation, and the disposition of each person's violation.  These violations and associated information, along with a quarterly summary of violations investigated, and associated information collected, by the Division of State Police for the same period shall be summarized by county and municipality in an annual report, and both quarterly summaries and annual reports shall be made available at no cost to the public on the Division of State Police's Internet website;1 2or2

     (4)   1[Possession of [50 grams] two ounces or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is an unlawful act subject to a [disorderly person] civil penalty of $50, but this amount of marijuana or hashish is presumed to be the lawful possession of medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product in accordance with the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.) or P.L.2015, c.158 (C.18A:40-12.22 et al.), and the State shall establish by a preponderance of evidence that the substance possessed was not medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product in order to impose the $50 civil penalty for possession of marijuana or hashish pursuant to this paragraph.  The civil penalty provided for in this paragraph shall be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction.  A penalty recovered under the provisions of this paragraph shall be recovered by and in the name of the State by the local municipality.  The penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality.] 2[(Deleted by amendment, P.L.    , c.   ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)1]

     (a)   Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is a disorderly person;

     (b)   On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of six ounces or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or 170 grams or less of hashish is not punishable as a crime, offense, or civil violation of law;

     (5) Possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin is a disorderly person;2 

     Any person who commits any offense [defined in] set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this [section] subsection while on any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of any such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, and who is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall, in addition to any other sentence which the court may impose, be required to perform not less than 100 hours of community service.

     b.    1(1)1  Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, 1not including marijuana or hashish,1 for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person.

     In a prosecution under this subsection, it shall not be necessary for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of any specific 1, prohibited1 drug, but it shall be sufficient for a conviction under this subsection for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of some prohibited controlled dangerous substance, counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, or controlled substance analog, by proving that the accused did manifest physical and physiological symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any 1prohibited1 controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

     1(2) Notwithstanding that using or being under the influence of marijuana or hashish is not a punishable offense pursuant to this subsection, the smoking, vaping, or aerosolizing of marijuana or hashish may be prohibited or otherwise regulated on or in any property by the person or entity that owns or controls that property, including multifamily housing that is a multiple dwelling as defined in section 3 of P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-3), the units of a condominium, as those terms are defined by section 3 of P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-3), or a site in a mobile home park as defined in section 3 of P.L.1983, c.386 (C.40:55D-102), which site is leased to the owner of a manufactured home, as defined in that section, that is installed thereon.1

     c.     Any person who knowingly obtains or possesses a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog in violation of 1paragraph (1) or (2) of1 subsection a. of this section and who fails to voluntarily deliver the substance to the nearest law enforcement officer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a prosecution or conviction for any other offense defined in this title or any other statute.

(cf: P.L.1997, c.181, s.6)]3

 

     3[13.  N.J.S.2C:36-2 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:36-2.     a.   Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or toxic chemical in violation of the provisions of chapter 35 of this title, other than when used, or possessed with intent to use, for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana or hashish into the human body. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

     b.    Notwithstanding that using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia to ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce marijuana or hashish into the human body is not a punishable offense pursuant to this section, the use of drug paraphernalia for that purpose may be prohibited or otherwise regulated on or in any property by the person or entity that owns or controls that property, including multifamily housing that is a multiple dwelling as defined in section 3 of P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-3), the units of a condominium, as those terms are defined by section 3 of P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-3), or a site in a mobile home park as defined in section 3 of P.L.1983, c.386 (C.40:55D-102), which site is leased to the owner of a manufactured home, as defined in that section, that is installed thereon.1

(cf: P.L.2007, c.31, s.3)]3

 

     1[3.] 3[ 4.1 (New section)  a.  Except to the extent required to dismiss, withdraw, or terminate the charge, no court shall have jurisdiction over any charge, including any charge of delinquency, based on 1[the distribution of] offenses that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L. , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense,1 marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph 2[1(11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph1]2 (12) of subsection b. of 1[N.J.S.2C:35-5, or the possession] 2[that section] N.J.S.2C:35-52 , or 2[a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute or dispense, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or]2 obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition1 of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph 1(3) or1 (4) of subsection a. 1, or subsection b., or subsection c.1 of N.J.S.2C:35-10, 1[that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)] or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, alone or in combination with each other1 , 2or possession of any controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle in violation of section 1 of P.L.1964, c.289 (C.39:4-49.1), or any disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense subject to conditional discharge pursuant to N.J.S.2C:36A-1,2  unless a 1guilty verdict, plea, or other entry of guilt, or1 final judgment of conviction or adjudication of delinquency has been entered on or before that effective date.  These non-prosecutable charges and cases shall be expeditiously dismissed, which may be accomplished by appropriate action by a law enforcement agency, or on a motion to the court which would otherwise have jurisdiction over a case, or the court's own motion, based upon guidelines 1[or] , administrative1 directives 1, and court orders1 issued by the Attorney General, the Administrative Director of the Courts, and the Supreme Court 1, as appropriate1.

     b.    1[A charge, including any charge of delinquency, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, based on a violation of any of the following laws that occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), shall not be considered whenever the Pretrial Services Program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25) conducts a risk assessment on an eligible defendant for the purpose of making recommendations to the court concerning an appropriate pretrial release decision in accordance with sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.): a violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5; or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section; or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building; or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10; or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish.

     c.]1 (1) Regarding a 1[conviction or adjudication of delinquency] guilty verdict, plea, or other entry of guilt1 entered prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), it shall be grounds for 1[post-conviction]1 relief that the 1[conviction or adjudication of delinquency] guilty verdict, plea, or other entry of guilt1 involved 1[unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2, alone or in combination with each other] one or more crimes or offenses, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute one or more crimes or offenses, enumerated in subsection a. of this section1, if a final judgment of conviction or adjudication of delinquency had not been entered on or before that effective date.

     (2)   Notwithstanding any court rule limiting the time period within which a motion to reduce or change a sentence may be filed, any person who, on the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), is 1or will be1 serving a sentence of incarceration, probation, parole or other form of community supervision solely as a result of the person's conviction or adjudication of delinquency for one or more crimes or offenses 1, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute one or more crimes or offenses,1 enumerated in 1[paragraph (1)] subsection a.1 of this 1[subsection] section1 may move to have the person's sentence reviewed by the court.  If the court finds that the sentence under review is based solely upon a conviction or adjudication of delinquency for one or more crimes or offenses 1, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute one or more crimes or offenses,1 enumerated in 1[paragraph (1)] subsection a.1 of this 1[subsection] section1, the court shall order appropriate relief.

     (3)   No fee shall be charged to a person seeking post-conviction relief pursuant to this subsection.]3

 

     1[4.] 3[5.1  (New section)  Other than the consequences of any sentence set forth in a judgment of conviction, including a term of imprisonment and any court-ordered financial assessment, unless otherwise provided by law, any arrest, charge, conviction, and adjudication of delinquency that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), and any proceedings related thereto, for 1[unlawful distribution of] manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing1 , or possessing or having under control with intent to 1manufacture,1 distribute, 1or dispense,1 marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), for distributing, 1dispensing,1 or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute 1or dispense1, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and 1a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for1  using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish 1[in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2] , alone or in combination with each other,1 shall be deemed not to have occurred, and the person involved in that violation may answer any questions relating to their occurrence accordingly, except that such information shall be revealed by that person if seeking employment within the judicial branch or with a law enforcement or corrections agency and such information shall continue to provide a disability as otherwise provided by law.]3

 

      1[5.  (New section)  The Administrative Director of the Courts shall maintain and provide information to any person upon request about the expungement process and legal services programs Statewide and in each county which may be available to assist the person with an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3).]1

 

     1[6.  (New section)  a.  (1)  The Administrative Director of the Courts shall develop and maintain a multilingual public awareness campaign to promote awareness of the expungement process, including an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), and the expungement e-filing system established pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-10.1), as well as information on State, local, non-profit and other private job training programs in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with a focus on assisting those persons eligible for the expedited expungement or "clean slate" expungement of their records pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), respectively.

     (2)   The public awareness campaign shall, at a minimum, utilize electronic and print media, and shall make available electronically on an Internet website a petition form and a list of the supporting information necessary for an expungement, including an expedited or "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), respectively, using the expungement e-filing system once established pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-10.1).

     (3)   The petition and supporting information shall, at a minimum, be made available in English and Spanish. 

     b.    The Administrative Director of the Courts shall include in the annual report on the activities of the Administrative Office of the Courts, prepared pursuant to N.J.S.2A:12-5, information about the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign developed and maintained pursuant to subsection a. of this section, beginning no later than one year after the effective date of P.L.    ,  c.     (C.          ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).]1

 

     31.  N.J.S.2C:35-5 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:35-5.     Manufacturing, Distributing or Dispensing. a.  Except as authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely:

     (1)   To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or

     (2)   To create, distribute, or possess or have under his control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

     b.    Any person who violates subsection a. with respect to:

     (1)   Heroin, or its analog, or coca leaves and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation of coca leaves, and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation thereof which is chemically equivalent or identical with any of these substances, or analogs, except that the substances shall not include decocainized coca leaves or extractions which do not contain cocaine or ecogine,  or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  The defendant shall, except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court.  The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

     (2)   A substance referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (3)   A substance referred to paragraph (1) of this subsection in a quantity less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (4)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of one ounce or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (5)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of less than one ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (6)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of 100 milligrams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of 10 grams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, the court shall impose a term of imprisonment which shall include the imposition of a minimum term, fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed by the court, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

     (7)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 100 milligrams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 10 grams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (8)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

     (9)   (a)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (b)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone  (P2P), in a quantity of less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

     (10)    (a)     Marijuana in a quantity of 25 pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or 50 or more marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of five pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

     (b)   Marijuana in a quantity of five pounds or more but less than 25 pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or 10 or more but fewer than 50 marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of one pound or more but less than five pounds, including any adulterants and dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

     (11)  [Marijuana] (a)  Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity of one ounce or more but less than five pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of five grams or more but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed;

     (b)  On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity of more than one ounce but less than five pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of more than five grams but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000 may be imposed;

     (12)  [Marijuana] (a)  Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity ofless than one ounce including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of less than five grams including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree;

     (b)   On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), marijuana in a quantity of one ounce or less including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of five grams or less including any adulterants or dilutants, is, for a first offense, subject to a written warning, which also indicates that any subsequent violation is a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment, a fine, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree;

     (i) The odor of marijuana or hashish, or burnt marijuana or hashish, shall not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate a search of a person to determine a violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (12) of this subsection.   A person who violates this subparagraph shall not be subject to arrest, detention, or otherwise be taken into custody, unless the person is being arrested, detained, or otherwise taken into custody for also committing another violation of law for which that action is legally permitted or required;

     (ii)  A person shall not be deprived of any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law solely by reason of committing a violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (12) of this subsection, nor shall committing one or more violations modify any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law, including, but not limited to, the granting, renewal, forfeiture, or denial of a license, permit, or certification, qualification for and the receipt, alteration, continuation, or denial of any form of financial assistance, housing assistance, or other social services, rights of or custody by a biological parent, or adoptive or foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child or newborn infant, or pregnant woman, in any action or proceeding by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, or qualification, approval, or disapproval to serve as a foster parent or other legal guardian;

     (iii)  All local and county law enforcement authorities shall, following the submission process used for the uniform crime reporting system established by P.L.1966, c.37 (C.52:17B-5.1 et seq.), submit a quarterly report to the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, within the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or to another designated recipient determined by the Attorney General, containing the number of violations of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (12) of this subsection committed within their respective jurisdictions, plus the race, ethnicity, gender, and age of each person committing a violation, and the disposition of each person's violation.  These violations and associated information, along with a quarterly summary of violations investigated, and associated information collected, by the Division of State Police for the same period shall be summarized by county and municipality in an annual report, and both quarterly summaries and annual reports shall be made available at no cost to the public on the Division of State Police's Internet website;

     (13)  Any other controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the third degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed; or

     (14)  Any Schedule V substance, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed.

     c.     Where the degree of the offense for violation of this section depends on the quantity of the substance, the quantity involved shall be determined by the trier of fact, other than with respect to a first violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of this section which is subject to a written warning as set forth in that subparagraph.  Where the indictment or accusation so provides, the quantity involved in individual acts of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense, whether distribution or dispensing is to the same person or several persons, provided that each individual act of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possession with intent to distribute was committed within the applicable statute of limitations.3

(cf: P.L.2000, c.136, s.1)

     32.   N.J.S.2C:35-10 is amended to read as follows:

      2C:35-10.  Possession, Use or Being Under the Influence, or Failure to Make Lawful Disposition.

      a.    It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.).  Any person who violates this section with respect to:

     (1)   A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV other than those specifically covered in this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$35,000.00] $35,000 may be imposed;

     (2)   Any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule V, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$15,000.00] $15,000 may be imposed;

     (3)   [Possession] (a) Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than five grams of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed; [or]

      (b)  On and after to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of more than six ounces of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than 17 grams of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000 may be imposed;       

      (i)     The odor of marijuana or hashish, or burnt marijuana or hashish, shall not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate a search of a person to determine a violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection.   A person who violates this paragraph shall not be subject to arrest, detention, or otherwise be taken into custody, unless the person is being arrested, detained, or otherwise taken into custody for also committing another violation of law for which that action is legally permitted or required;

     (ii)    A person shall not be deprived of any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law solely by reason of committing a violation of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection, nor shall committing one or more violations modify any legal or civil right, privilege, benefit, or opportunity provided pursuant to any law, including, but not limited to, the granting, renewal, forfeiture, or denial of a license, permit, or certification, qualification for and the receipt, alteration, continuation, or denial of any form of financial assistance, housing assistance, or other social services, rights of or custody by a biological parent, or adoptive or foster parent, or other legal guardian of a child or newborn infant, or pregnant woman, in any action or proceeding by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families, or qualification, approval, or disapproval to serve as a foster parent or other legal guardian;

     (iii)    All local and county law enforcement authorities shall, following the submission process used for the uniform crime reporting system established by P.L.1966, c.37 (C.52:17B-5.1 et seq.), submit a quarterly report to the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, within the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or to another designated recipient determined by the Attorney General, containing the number of violations of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (3) of this subsection committed within their respective jurisdictions, plus the race, ethnicity, gender, and age of each person committing a violation, and the disposition of each person's violation.  These violations and associated information, along with a quarterly summary of violations investigated, and associated information collected, by the Division of State Police for the same period shall be summarized by county and municipality in an annual report, and both quarterly summaries and annual reports shall be made available at no cost to the public on the Division of State Police's Internet website; or

     (4)   [Possession] (a) Prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is a disorderly person;

     (b) On and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), possession of six ounces or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or 17 grams or less of hashish is not subject to any punishment, as this possession is not a crime, offense, act of delinquency, or civil violation of law;

      Any person who commits any offense [defined in] set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this [section] subsection while on any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of any such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, and who is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall, in addition to any other sentence which the court may impose, be required to perform not less than 100 hours of community service.

     b.    (1)  Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, not including marijuana or hashish, for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person.

     In a prosecution under this subsection, it shall not be necessary for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of any specific, prohibited drug, but it shall be sufficient for a conviction under this subsection for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of some prohibited controlled dangerous substance, counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, or controlled substance analog, by proving that the accused did manifest physical and physiological symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any prohibited controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

     (2)   Notwithstanding that using or being under the influence of marijuana or hashish is not a punishable crime, offense, act of delinquency, or civil violation pursuant to this subsection, the smoking, vaping, or aerosolizing of marijuana or hashish may be prohibited or otherwise regulated on or in any property by the person or entity that owns or controls that property, including multifamily housing that is a multiple dwelling as defined in section 3 of P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-3), the structure or specific units of the structure of a cooperative as defined in section 3 of P.L.1987, c.381 (C.46:8D-3), the units of a condominium, as those terms are defined by section 3 of P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-3), or a site in a mobile home park as defined in section 3 of P.L.1983, c.386 (C.40:55D-102), which site is leased to the owner of a manufactured home, as defined in that section, that is installed thereon.

     c.     Any person who knowingly obtains or possesses a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog in violation of paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection a. of this section and who fails to voluntarily deliver the substance to the nearest law enforcement officer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a prosecution or conviction for any other offense defined in this title or any other statute.3

(cf: P.L.1997, c.181, s.6)

 

     33.  N.J.S.2C:36-2 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:36-2.     a.   Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or toxic chemical in violation of the provisions of chapter 35 of this title, other than when used, or possessed with intent to use, for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana or hashish into the human body. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

     b.    Notwithstanding that using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia to ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce marijuana or hashish into the human body is not a punishable crime, offense, act of delinquency, or civil violation pursuant to this section, the use of drug paraphernalia for that purpose may be prohibited or otherwise regulated on or in any property by the person or entity that owns or controls that property, including multifamily housing that is a multiple dwelling as defined in section 3 of P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-3), the structure or specific units of the structure of a cooperative as defined in section 3 of P.L.1987, c.381 (C.46:8D-3), the units of a condominium, as those terms are defined by section 3 of P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-3), or a site in a mobile home park as defined in section 3 of P.L.1983, c.386 (C.40:55D-102), which site is leased to the owner of a manufactured home, as defined in that section, that is installed thereon.3

(cf: P.L.2007, c.31, s.3)

 

     34.   (New section)  a.  Except to the extent required to dismiss, withdraw, or terminate the charge, no prosecutor shall pursue any charge, including any charge of delinquency, based on crimes or offenses pending with a court on the first day of the fifth month next following the effective date of P.L.  , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint of Assembly Bill No. 21) that occurred prior to that effective date, involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, alone or in combination with each other, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish and a violation of section 1 of P.L.1964, c.289 (C.39:4-49.1) for possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle, alone or in combination with each other, or any disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense subject to conditional discharge pursuant to N.J.S.2C:36A-1.  These non-prosecutable charges and cases shall be expeditiously dismissed, which may be accomplished by appropriate action by the prosecutor based upon guidelines issued by the Attorney General,  or the court's own motion based upon administrative directives issued by the Administrative Director of the Courts.

     b.    (1) On the first day of the fifth month next following the effective date of P.L.  , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint of Assembly Bill No. 21), any guilty verdict, plea, placement in a diversionary program, or other entry of guilt on a matter that was entered prior to that effective date, but the judgment of conviction or final disposition on the matter was not entered prior to that date, and the guilty verdict, plea, placement in a diversionary program, or other entry of guilt solely involved one or more crimes or offenses, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute one or more crimes or offenses, enumerated in subsection a. of this section, that guilty verdict, plea, placement in a diversionary program, or other entry of guilt shall be vacated by operation of law.  The Administrative Director of the Courts, in consultation with the Attorney General, may take any administrative action as may be necessary to vacate the guilty verdict, plea, placement in a diversionary program, or other entry of guilt.

     (2)   On the first day of the fifth month next following the effective date of P.L.  , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint of Assembly Bill No. 21), any conviction, remaining sentence, ongoing supervision, or unpaid court-ordered financial assessment as defined in section 8 of P.L.2017, c.244 (C.2C:52-23.1) of any person who, on that effective date, is or will be serving a sentence of incarceration, probation, parole or other form of community supervision as a result of the person's conviction or adjudication of delinquency solely for one or more crimes or offenses, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute one or more crimes or offenses, enumerated in subsection a. of this section, shall have the conviction, remaining sentence, ongoing supervision, or unpaid court-ordered financial assessment vacated by operation of law.  The Administrative Director of the Courts, in consultation with the Attorney General, may take any administrative action as may be necessary to vacate the conviction, remaining sentence, ongoing supervision, or unpaid court-ordered financial assessment.3

 

      35.  (New section)  On the first day of the fifth month next following the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint of Assembly Bill No. 21),  any case that, prior to that effective date, includes a conviction or adjudication of delinquency solely for one or more crimes or offenses  involving manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, alone or in combination with each other, or any disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense subject to conditional discharge pursuant to N.J.S.2C:36A-1, shall be expunged by operation of law, and any remaining sentence, ongoing supervision, or unpaid court-ordered financial assessment as defined in section 8 of P.L.2017, c.244 (C.2C:52-23.1) shall be vacated by operation of law.  The Administrative Director of the Courts, in consultation with the Attorney General, may take any administrative action as may be necessary to expeditiously effectuate the expungement of records associated with any expunged matter.3

 

     16.   Section 6 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.2) is amended to read as follows:

     6.    a.  (1)  No later than three months after the effective date of this section, the Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop and maintain a system for sealing records from the public, upon order of a court, pertaining to offenses [or] 2[,] or2 delinquent acts 2[, or unlawful acts subject to a civil penalty,]2 1[or community service in lieu of payment of a penalty,]1 involving marijuana or hashish as described in this section.  Once the system is developed, unless otherwise provided by law, a court shall order the nondisclosure to the public of the records of the court and probation services, and records of law enforcement agencies with respect to any arrest, conviction, [or] 2or2 adjudication of delinquency 2[, or imposition of a civil penalty]2 1[or community service]1 , and any proceedings related thereto, upon disposition of any case occurring on or after the development of the system for sealing records that solely includes the following convictions [or] 2[,] or2 adjudications of delinquency 2[, or imposition of civil penalties]2 1[or community service]1:

     (a)   any number of offenses for, [or] 2or2 delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute, [unlawful distribution of] 2[or unlawful acts subject to a civil penalty 1[, or community service in lieu of payment of a penalty]1 for,]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a violation of that paragraph and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building; or

     (b)   any number of offenses for, [or]  2or2 delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute, 2[or unlawful acts subject to a civil penalty 1[, or community service in lieu of payment of a penalty]1 for,]2 obtaining [,] or possessing [, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of] marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) 1[or (4)]1 of subsection a. [, or subsection b., or subsection c.] of N.J.S.2C:35-10 [; or] .

     (c)   [any number of offenses for, or delinquent acts which if committed by an adult would constitute, a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described in subparagraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2.] (Deleted by amendment, P.L.    , c.   ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)

     (2)   If the disposition of the case includes a court-ordered financial assessment subject to collection under the comprehensive enforcement program established pursuant to P.L.1995, c.9 (C.2B:19-1 et al.), then at the time of issuing the sealing order, the court shall also enter a civil judgment for the unpaid portion of the court-ordered financial assessment in the name of the Treasurer, State of New Jersey and transfer collections and disbursement responsibility to the State Treasurer for the outstanding amount in accordance with section 8 of P.L.2017, c.244 (C.2C:52-23.1).  The term "court-ordered financial assessment" as used herein means and includes any fine, fee, penalty, restitution, and other form of financial assessment imposed by the court as part of the sentence for the conviction or convictions that are the subject of the sealing order, for which payment of restitution takes precedence in accordance with chapter 46 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.  The Treasurer may specify, and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall collaborate with, the technical and informational standards required to effectuate the transfer of the collection and disbursement responsibilities. Notwithstanding any provision in this law or any other law to the contrary, the court shall have sole discretion to amend the judgment.

     b.    Notice of the sealing order issued pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be provided to:

     (1)   The Attorney General, county prosecutor, or municipal prosecutor handling the case; and

     (2)   The State Police and any local law enforcement agency having custody of the files and records.

     c.     Upon the entry of a sealing order issued pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the proceedings in the case shall be sealed and all index references shall be marked "not available" or "no record."  Law enforcement agencies shall reply to requests for information or records of a person subject to a sealing order that there is no information or records.  The person may also reply to any inquiry that there is no information or record, except that information subject to a sealing order shall be revealed by that person if seeking employment within the judicial branch or with a law enforcement or corrections agency, and the information shall continue to provide a disability to the extent provided by law.

     d.    Records subject to a sealing order issued pursuant to subsection a. of this section may be maintained for purposes of prior offender status, identification, and law enforcement purposes, provided that the records shall not be [considered whenever the Pretrial Services Program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25) conducts a risk assessment on an eligible defendant for the purpose of making recommendations to the court concerning an appropriate pretrial release decision in accordance with sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.) or]  2considered whenever the Pretrial Services Program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25) conducts a risk assessment on an eligible defendant for the purpose of making recommendations to the court concerning an appropriate pretrial release decision in accordance with sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.) or2 used for sentencing purposes in any other case.1

(cf: P.L.2019, c.269, s.6)

 

     17.   Section 3 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-17) is amended to read as follows:

     3.    Except as otherwise provided under sections 4 and 5 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-18 and C.2A:162-19) concerning a hearing on pretrial detention, a court shall make, pursuant to this section, a pretrial release decision for an eligible defendant without unnecessary delay, but in no case later than 48 hours after the eligible defendant's commitment to jail.

     a.     The court shall order the pretrial release of the eligible defendant on personal recognizance or on the execution of an unsecured appearance bond when, after considering all the circumstances, the Pretrial Services Program's risk assessment and recommendations on conditions of release prepared pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25), and any information that may be provided by a prosecutor or the eligible defendant, the court finds that the release would reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process.

     b.    (1)  If the court does not find, after consideration, that the release described in subsection a. of this section will reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, the court may order the pretrial release of the  eligible defendant subject to the following:

     (a)   the eligible defendant shall not commit any offense during the period of release;

     (b)   the eligible defendant shall avoid all contact with an alleged victim of the crime;

     (c)   the eligible defendant shall avoid all contact with all witnesses who may testify concerning the offense that are named in the document authorizing the eligible defendant's release or in a subsequent court order; and

     (d)   any one or more non-monetary conditions as set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

     (2)   The non-monetary condition or conditions of a pretrial release ordered by the court pursuant to this paragraph shall be the least restrictive condition, or combination of conditions, that the court determines will reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, which may include that the eligible defendant:

     (a)   remain in the custody of a designated person, who agrees to assume supervision and to report any violation of a release condition to the court, if the designated person is able to reasonably assure the court that the eligible defendant will appear in court when required, will not pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community, and will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process;

     (b)   maintain employment, or, if unemployed, actively seek employment;

     (c)   maintain or commence an educational program;

     (d)   abide by specified restrictions on personal associations, place of abode, or travel;

     (e)   report on a regular basis to a designated law enforcement agency, or other agency, or pretrial services program;

     (f)   comply with a specified curfew;

     (g)   refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon;

     (h)   refrain from excessive use of alcohol, or any 2unlawful2 use of a narcotic drug or other controlled substance without a prescription by a licensed medical practitioner 2[, except that, the court's order shall not refrain the eligible defendant from using marijuana or hashish]2;

     (i)    undergo available medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment, including treatment for drug or alcohol dependency, and remain in a specified institution if required for that purpose;

     (j)    return to custody for specified hours following release for employment, schooling, or other limited purposes;

     (k)   be placed in a pretrial home supervision capacity with or without the use of an approved electronic monitoring device.  The court may order the eligible defendant to pay all or a portion of the costs of the electronic monitoring, but the court may waive the payment for an eligible defendant who is indigent and who has demonstrated to the court an inability to pay all or a portion of the costs; or

     (l)    satisfy any other condition that is necessary to reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, which shall not include any prohibition or restriction concerning 2[:

     (a)   an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or

     (b)   the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids of the eligible defendant]2.

     c.     (1)  If the court does not find, after consideration, that the release described in subsection a. or b. of this section will reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the court may order the pretrial release of the eligible defendant on monetary bail, other than an unsecured appearance bond. The court may only impose monetary bail pursuant to this subsection to reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance.  The court shall not impose the monetary bail to reasonably assure the protection of the safety of any other person or the community or that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, or for the purpose of preventing the release of the eligible defendant.

     (2)   If the eligible defendant is unable to post the monetary bail imposed by the court pursuant to this subsection, and for that reason remains detained in jail, the provisions of section 8 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-22) shall apply to the eligible defendant. 

     d.    (1)  If the court does not find, after consideration, that the release described in subsection a., b., or c. will reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required,  the protection of the safety of any other person or the community,  and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, the court may order the pretrial release of the eligible defendant using a combination of non-monetary conditions as set forth in subsection b. of this section, and monetary bail as set forth in subsection c. of this section.

     (2)   If the eligible defendant is unable to post the monetary bail imposed by the court in combination with non-monetary conditions pursuant to this subsection, and for that reason remains detained in jail, the provisions of section 8 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-22) shall apply to the eligible defendant.

     e.     For purposes of the court's consideration for pretrial release described in this section, with respect to whether the particular method of release will reasonably assure that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, this reasonable assurance may be deemed to exist if the prosecutor does not provide the court with information relevant to the risk of whether the eligible defendant will obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process.1

(cf: P.L.2014, c.31, s.3)

 

     18.   Section 6 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-20) is amended to read as follows:

     6.    In determining in a pretrial detention hearing whether no amount of monetary bail, non-monetary conditions or combination of monetary bail and conditions would reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, or that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, the court may take into account information concerning:

     a.     The nature and circumstances of the offense charged;

     b.    The weight of the evidence against the eligible defendant, except that the court may consider the admissibility of any evidence sought to be excluded;

     c.     The history and characteristics of the eligible defendant, including:

     (1)   the eligible defendant's character, physical and mental condition, family ties, employment, financial resources, length of residence in the community, community ties, past conduct, history relating to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and record concerning [appearance] appearances at court proceedings, except with respect to these factors, the court shall not consider 2[an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10; and

     (2)   whether, at the time of the current offense or arrest, the eligible defendant was on probation, parole, or on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion of sentence for an offense under federal law, or the law of this or any other state;

     d.    The nature and seriousness of the danger to any other person or the community that would be posed by the eligible defendant's release, if applicable;

     e.     The nature and seriousness of the risk of obstructing or attempting to obstruct the criminal justice process that would be posed by the eligible defendant's release, if applicable; and

     f.     The release recommendation of the pretrial services program obtained using a risk assessment instrument under section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25).1

(cf: P.L.2014, c.31, s.6)

 

     19.   Section 10 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-24) is amended to read as follows:

     10.  a.  Upon motion of a prosecutor, when an eligible defendant is released from custody before trial pursuant to section 3 or 8 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-17 or C.2A:162-22), the court, upon a finding that the eligible defendant while on release has violated a restraining order or condition of release, or upon a finding of probable cause to believe that the eligible defendant has committed a new crime while on release, may not revoke the eligible defendant's release and order that the eligible defendant be detained pending trial unless the court, after considering all relevant circumstances including but not limited to the nature and seriousness of the violation or criminal act committed, finds clear and convincing evidence that no monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of release or combination of monetary bail and conditions would reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, or that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process.

     b.    A court shall not revoke an eligible defendant's release and order that the eligible defendant be detained pending trial based on 2[: (1) an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or

     (2)   the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids of the eligible defendant]2 .1

(cf: P.L.2014, c.31, s.10)

     110.  Section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25) is amended to read as follows:

     11.  a.  The Administrative Director of the Courts shall establish and maintain a Statewide Pretrial Services Program which shall provide pretrial services to effectuate the purposes of sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.).

     b.    The Pretrial Services Program shall, after an eligible defendant is temporarily detained pursuant to subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-16) following the issuance of a complaint-warrant, conduct a risk assessment on that eligible defendant for the purpose of making recommendations to the court concerning an appropriate pretrial release decision, including whether the eligible defendant shall be: released on the eligible defendant's own personal recognizance or on execution of an unsecured appearance bond; released on a non-monetary condition or conditions as set forth under subsection b. of section 3 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-17); released on monetary bail, other than an unsecured appearance bond; released on a combination of monetary bail and non-monetary conditions set forth under section 3 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-17); or any other conditions necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.).  The risk assessment shall be completed and presented to the court so that the court can, without unnecessary delay, but in no case later than 48 hours after the eligible defendant's commitment to jail, make a pretrial release decision on the eligible defendant pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-17). 

     c.     The pretrial risk assessment shall be conducted using a risk assessment instrument approved by the Administrative Director of the Courts that meets the requirements of this subsection.

     (1)   (a) The approved risk assessment instrument shall be objective, standardized, and developed based on analysis of empirical data and risk factors relevant to the risk of failure to appear in court when required and the danger to the community while on pretrial release.  The risk assessment instrument shall not be required to include factors specifically pertaining to the risk for obstructing or attempting to obstruct the criminal justice process.

     (b)   The approved risk assessment instrument shall not consider a charge, including any charge of delinquency, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, or civil penalty if the act was an unlawful act and not a crime or offense, based on a violation of any of the following, as risk factors relevant to the risk of failure to appear in court when required and the danger to the community while on pretrial release: manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section; or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute or dispense, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building; or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10; or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish.

     (2)   The approved risk assessment instrument shall gather demographic information about the eligible defendant including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, financial resources, and socio-economic status.  Recommendations for pretrial release shall not be discriminatory based on race, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status.

     d.    In addition to the pretrial risk assessments made pursuant to this section, the Pretrial Services Program shall monitor appropriate

eligible defendants released on conditions as ordered by the court.1

(cf: P.L.2014, c.31, s.11)

 

     111.  N.J.S.2C:45-1   is amended to read as follows:

     2C:45-1.     Conditions of Suspension or Probation.

     a.     (1)  When the court suspends the imposition of sentence on a person who has been convicted of an offense or sentences him to be placed on probation, it shall attach such reasonable conditions, authorized by this section, as it deems necessary to insure that he will lead a law-abiding life or is likely to assist him to do so. These conditions may be set forth in a set of standardized conditions promulgated by the county probation department and approved by the court. 

     (2)   The following shall not be prohibited or restricted based on any conditions imposed pursuant to this section: 2[(a) An unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5; or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or

     (b)   The presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids of the person]2.

     b.    The court, as a condition of its order, may require the defendant:

     (1)   To support his dependents and meet his family responsibilities;

     (2)   To find and continue in gainful employment;

     (3)   To undergo available medical or psychiatric treatment and to enter and remain in a specified institution, when required for that purpose;

     (4)   To pursue a prescribed secular course of study or vocational training;

     (5)   To attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction, recreation or residence of persons on probation;

     (6)   To refrain from frequenting unlawful or disreputable places or consorting with disreputable persons;

     (7)   Not to have in his possession any firearm or other dangerous weapon unless granted written permission;

     (8)   (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1991, c.329);

     (9)   To remain within the jurisdiction of the court and to notify the court or the probation officer of any change in his address or his employment;

     (10)    To report as directed to the court or the probation officer, to permit the officer to visit his home, and to answer all reasonable inquiries by the probation officer;

     (11)    To pay a fine;

     (12)    To satisfy any other conditions reasonably related to the rehabilitation of the defendant and not unduly restrictive of his liberty or incompatible with his freedom of conscience;

     (13)    To require the performance of community-related service; and

     (14)    To be subject to Internet access conditions pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection d. of this section.

     In addition to any condition of probation, the court may enter an order prohibiting a defendant who is convicted of a sex offense from having any contact with the victim including, but not limited to, entering the victim's residence, place of employment or business, or school, and from harassing or stalking the victim or victim's relatives in any way, and may order other protective relief as provided in section 2 of P.L.2007, c.133 (C.2C:14-12).

     c.     The court, as a condition of its order, shall require the defendant to pay any assessments required by section 2 of P.L.1979, c.396 (C.2C:43-3.1) and shall, consistent with the applicable provisions of N.J.S.2C:43-3, N.J.S.2C:43-4 and N.J.S.2C:44-2 or section 1 of P.L.1983, c.411 (C.2C:43-2.1) require the defendant to make restitution.

     d.    (1) In addition to any condition imposed pursuant to subsection b. or c., the court shall order a person placed on probation to pay a fee, not exceeding $25.00 per month for the probationary term, to probation services for use by the State, except as provided in subsection g. of this section.  This fee may be waived in cases of indigency upon application by the chief probation officer to the sentencing court.

     (2)   In addition to any conditions imposed pursuant to subsection b. or c., the court may order a person who has been convicted  or adjudicated delinquent  of a sex offense as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), and who is required to register as provided in subsections c. and d. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2),  or who has been convicted  or adjudicated delinquent  for a violation of N.J.S.2C:34-3 to be subject to any of the following Internet access conditions:

     (a)   Prohibit the person from accessing or using a computer or any other device with Internet capability without the prior written approval of the court, except  the person may use a computer or any other device with Internet capability in connection with that person's employment or search for employment with the prior approval of the person's probation  officer;

     (b)   Require the person to submit to periodic unannounced examinations of the person's computer or any other device with Internet capability by a probation officer,  law enforcement officer or assigned computer or information technology specialist, including the retrieval and copying of all data from the computer or device and any internal or external peripherals and removal of such information, equipment or device to conduct a more thorough inspection;

     (c)   Require the person to submit to the installation on the person's computer or device with Internet capability, at the person's expense, one or more hardware or software systems to monitor the Internet use; and

     (d)   Require the person to submit to any other appropriate restrictions concerning the person's use or access of a computer or any other device with Internet capability.

     e.     When the court sentences a person who has been convicted of a crime to be placed on probation, it may require him to serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding 364 days as an additional condition of its order.  When the court sentences a person convicted of a disorderly persons offense to be placed on probation, it may require him to serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding 90 days as an additional condition of its order.  In imposing a term of imprisonment pursuant to this subsection, the sentencing court shall specifically place on the record the reasons which justify the sentence imposed.  The term of imprisonment imposed hereunder shall be treated as part of the sentence, and in the event of a sentence of imprisonment upon the revocation of probation, the term of imprisonment served hereunder shall be credited toward service of such subsequent sentence.  A term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be governed by the "Parole Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et al.).

     Whenever a person is serving a term of parole as a result of a sentence of incarceration imposed as a condition of probation, supervision over that person shall be maintained pursuant to the provisions of the law governing parole.  Upon termination of the period of parole supervision provided by law, the county probation department shall assume responsibility for supervision of the person under sentence of probation.  Nothing contained in this section shall prevent the sentencing court from at any time proceeding under the provisions of this chapter against any person for a violation of probation. 

     f.     The defendant shall be given a copy of the terms of his probation or suspension of sentence and any requirements imposed pursuant to this section, stated with sufficient specificity to enable him to guide himself accordingly. The defendant shall acknowledge, in writing, his receipt of these documents and his consent to their terms.

     g.    Of the moneys collected under the provisions of subsection d. of this section, $15.00 of each monthly fee collected before January 1, 1995 shall be deposited in the temporary reserve fund created by section 25 of P.L.1993, c.275, and $10.00 of each shall be deposited into a "Community Service Supervision Fund" which shall be established by each county. The moneys in the "Community Service Supervision Fund" shall be expended only in accordance with the provisions of State law as shall be enacted to provide for expenditures from this fund for the purpose of supervising and monitoring probationers performing community service to ensure, by whatever means necessary and appropriate, that probationers are performing the community service ordered by the court and that the performance is in the manner and under the terms ordered by the court.1

(cf: P.L.2007, c.219, s.4)

 

     112.  N.J.S.2C:45-3 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:45-3.  a.  At any time before the discharge of the defendant or the termination of the period of suspension or probation:

     (1)   The court may summon the defendant to appear before it or may issue a warrant for his arrest;

     (2)   A probation officer or peace officer, upon request of the chief probation officer or otherwise having probable cause to believe that the defendant has failed to comply with a requirement imposed as a condition of the  order or that he has committed another offense, may arrest him without a warrant;

     (3)   The court, if there is probable cause to believe that the defendant has committed another offense or if he has been held to answer therefor, may commit him without bail, pending a determination of the charge by the court having  jurisdiction thereof;

     (4)   The court, if satisfied that the defendant has inexcusably failed to comply with a substantial requirement imposed as a condition of the order or if he has been convicted of another offense, may revoke the suspension or probation and sentence or resentence the defendant, as provided in this section.  No revocation of suspension or probation shall be based on: (a) failure to pay a fine or make restitution, unless the failure was willful; 2or2 (b) 2[an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2  paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or (c) the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids, detected as a result of the administration of a drug test or any other means]2.

     b.    When the court revokes a suspension or probation, it may impose on the defendant any sentence that might have been imposed originally for the offense of which he was convicted.

     c.     The commencement of a probation revocation proceeding shall toll the probationary period until termination of such proceedings.  In the event that the court does not find a violation of probation, this subsection shall not operate to toll the probationary period.1

(cf: P.L.1981, c.290, s.41)

 

     113.  Section 15 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59) is amended to read as follows:

     15.  a.  Each adult parolee shall at all times remain in the legal custody of the Commissioner of Corrections and under the supervision of the State Parole Board, except that the Commissioner of Corrections, after providing notice to the Attorney General, may consent to the supervision of a parolee by the federal government pursuant to the Witness Security Reform Act, Pub.L.98-473 (18 U.S.C. s.3521 et seq.). An adult parolee, except those under the Witness Security Reform Act, shall remain under the supervision of the State Parole Board and in the legal custody of the Department of Corrections in accordance with the policies and rules of the board.

     b.    (1) (a) Each parolee shall agree, as evidenced by his signature to abide by specific conditions of parole established by the appropriate board panel which shall be enumerated in writing in a certificate of parole and shall be given to the parolee upon release.  Such conditions shall include, among other things, a requirement that the parolee conduct himself in society in compliance with all laws and refrain from committing any crime, a requirement that the parolee will not own or possess any firearm as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, a requirement that the parolee refrain from the 2unlawful2 use, 2or the2 possession or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or imitation controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2 and N.J.S.2C:35-11, other than 2[the use of marijuana or hashish, the]2 possession 2[of any amount]2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, and distribution 2[that is an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty pursuant to] of marijuana or hashish in violation of2 paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, a requirement that the parolee obtain permission from his parole officer for any change in his residence, and a requirement that the parolee report at reasonable intervals to an assigned parole officer.  In addition, based on prior history of the parolee or information provided by a victim or a member of the family of a murder victim, the member or board panel certifying parole release pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.55) may impose any other specific conditions of parole deemed reasonable in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of criminal or delinquent behavior, including a requirement that the parolee comply with the Internet access conditions set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection.  Such special conditions may include, among other things, a requirement that the parolee make full or partial restitution, the amount of which restitution shall be set by the sentencing court upon request of the board. In addition, the member or board panel certifying parole release may, giving due regard to a victim's request, impose a special condition that the parolee have no contact with the victim, which special condition may include, but need not be limited to, restraining the parolee from entering the victim's residence, place of employment, business or school, and from harassing or stalking the victim or victim's relatives in any way. Further, the member, board panel or board certifying parole release may impose a special condition that the person shall not own or possess an animal for an unlawful purpose or to interfere in the performance of duties by a parole officer.

     (b)   The member or board panel certifying parole release shall not impose on any parolee any condition that would prohibit or restrict 2[: (i) the commission of an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate] in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or (ii) the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids of the person]2.

     (2)   In addition, the member or board panel certifying parole release may impose on any person who has been convicted for the commission of a sex offense as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), and who is required to register as provided in subsections c. and d. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), or who has been convicted for a violation of N.J.S.2C:34-3 any of the following Internet access conditions:

     (a)   Prohibit the person from accessing or using a computer or any other device with Internet capability without the prior written approval of the court, except the person may use a computer or any other device with Internet capability in connection with that person's employment or search for employment with the prior approval of the person's parole officer;

     (b)   Require the person to submit to periodic unannounced examinations of the person's computer or any other device with Internet capability by a parole officer, law enforcement officer or assigned computer or information technology specialist, including the retrieval and copying of all data from the computer or device and any internal or external peripherals and removal of such information, equipment or device to conduct a more thorough inspection;

     (c)   Require the person to submit to the installation on the person's computer or device with Internet capability, at the person's expense, one or more hardware or software systems to monitor the Internet use; and

     (d)   Require the person to submit to any other appropriate restrictions concerning the person's use or access of a computer or any other device with Internet capability.

     c.     The appropriate board panel may in writing relieve a parolee of any parole conditions, and may permit a parolee to reside outside the State pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Act for Out-of-State Parolee Supervision (N.J.S.2A:168-14 et seq.) and, with the consent of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections after providing notice to the Attorney General, the federal Witness Security Reform Act, if satisfied that the change will not result in a substantial likelihood that the parolee will commit an offense which would be a crime under the laws of this State. The appropriate board panel may revoke  permission, except in the case of a parolee under the Witness Security Reform Act, or reinstate relieved parole conditions for any period of time during which a parolee is under its jurisdiction.

     d.    The appropriate board panel may parole an inmate to any residential facility funded in whole or in part by the State if the inmate would not otherwise be released pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.53) without such placement.  But if the residential facility provides treatment for mental illness or mental retardation, the board panel only may parole the inmate to the facility pursuant to the laws and admissions policies that otherwise govern the admission of persons to that facility, and the facility shall have the authority to discharge the inmate according to the laws and policies that otherwise govern the discharge of persons from the facility, on 10 days' prior notice to the board panel.  The board panel shall acknowledge receipt of this notice in writing prior to the discharge.  Upon receipt of the notice the board panel shall resume jurisdiction over the inmate. 

     e.     Parole officers shall provide assistance to the parolee in obtaining employment, education, or vocational training or in meeting other obligations to assure the parolee's compliance with meeting legal requirements related to sex offender notification, address changes and participation in rehabilitation programs as directed by the assigned parole officer. 

     f.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2019, c.363)

     g.    If the board has granted parole to any inmate from a State correctional facility and the court has imposed a fine on the inmate, the appropriate board panel shall release the inmate on condition that the parolee make specified fine payments to the State Parole Board.  For violation of these conditions, or for violation of a special condition requiring restitution, parole may be revoked only for refusal or failure to make a good faith effort to make the payment.

     h.    Upon collection of the fine the Department of Corrections shall forward it to the State Treasury.1

(cf: P.L.2019, c.363, s.12)

 

     114.  Section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60) is amended to read as follows:

     16.  a. Any parolee who violates a condition of parole may be subject to an order pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.61) providing for one or more of the following:

     (1)   [That] that he be required to conform to one or more additional conditions of parole;

     (2)   [That] that he forfeit all or a part of commutation time credits granted pursuant to R.S.30:4-140. 

     An order as described in this subsection shall not be based on 2[: an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate]  in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids, detected as a result of the administration of a drug test or any other means]2.

     b.    (1)  Any parolee who has seriously or persistently violated the conditions of his parole, may have his parole revoked and may be returned to custody pursuant to sections 18 and 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.62 and 30:4-123.63).  The board shall be notified immediately upon the arrest or indictment of a parolee or upon the filing of charges that the parolee committed an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime.  The board shall not revoke parole on the basis of new charges which have not resulted in a disposition at the trial level except that upon application by the prosecuting authority or the Director of the State Parole Board's Division of Parole or his designee, the chairman of the board or his designee may at any time detain the parolee and commence revocation proceedings pursuant to sections 18 and 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.62 and 30:4-123.63) when the chairman determines that the new charges against the parolee are of a serious nature and it appears that the parolee otherwise poses a danger to the public safety.  In such cases, a parolee shall be informed that, if he testifies at the revocation proceedings, his testimony and the evidence derived therefrom shall not be used against him in a subsequent criminal prosecution.

     (2)   An action to revoke parole as described in this subsection shall not be based on 2[: (a) an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty for]2 manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or 2[possessing any amount] possession2 of marijuana or hashish 2[that does not violate]  in violation of2 paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 2[; or

     (b)   the presence of any cannabinoid metabolites in any bodily fluids, detected as a result of the administration of a drug test or any other means]2.

     c.     The parole of any parolee who is convicted of a crime committed while on parole shall be revoked and the parolee shall be returned to custody unless the parolee demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence at a hearing pursuant to section 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.63), that good cause exists why the parolee should not be returned to confinement.1

(cf: P.L.2019, c.363, s.13)

 

     1[7.] 15.1   (New section)  a.  An employer shall not be permitted to  2[consider] ,2 when making an employment decision, 2rely solely on, or2 require any applicant to disclose or reveal, or take any adverse action against any applicant for employment 2solely2 on the basis of, any arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, 2[or civil penalty or community service imposed in lieu of a civil penalty if the act was an unlawful act and not a crime or offense,]2 for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute or dispense, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime 2[,] or2 offense, 2[or other unlawful act,]2 which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes 2[,] or2 offenses, 2[or unlawful acts,]2 regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency 2[, or imposition of a civil penalty or community service,]2 occurred, unless the employment sought or being considered is for a position in law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, homeland security, or emergency management.

     b.  Any employer who commits an act in violation of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for the first violation, $5,000 for the second violation, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, which shall be collectible by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).  The penalties set forth in this subsection shall be the sole remedy provided for violations of this section. 

      c.   Nothing set forth in this section shall be construed as creating or establishing a standard of care or duty for employers with respect to any other law.  Evidence that an employer has violated, or is alleged to have violated, the provisions of this section, shall not be admissible in any legal proceeding with respect to any law or claim other than a proceeding to enforce the provisions of this section.  Nothing set forth in this section shall be construed as creating, establishing, or authorizing a private cause of action by an aggrieved person against an employer who has violated, or is alleged to have violated, the provisions of this section.

 

     1[8] 16.1    (New section)  a.  A person that makes a mortgage loan in this State shall not discriminate against an applicant in accepting an application, granting, withholding, extending, modifying or renewing, or in the fixing of the rates, terms, conditions, or provisions of any mortgage loan based on an applicant's arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, 2[or civil penalty or community service imposed in lieu of a civil penalty if the act was an unlawful act and not a crime or offense,]2 for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute or dispense, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime 2[,] or2 offense, 2[or other unlawful act,]2 which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes 2[,] or2 offenses, 2[or unlawful acts,]2 regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency 2[, or imposition of a civil penalty or community service,]2 occurred.

     b.    Any applicant who has been discriminated against as a result of a violation of this section may bring an action in New Jersey in a court of competent jurisdiction.  Upon finding that a person is in violation of this section, the court may award actual damages, reasonable attorneys' fees, and court costs.

     c.     The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance shall have the power to:

     (1)   Make such investigations into any matter pertaining to this section, including the power to hold hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence.  In case of a failure of any person to comply with any subpoena, the Superior Court may issue an order requiring the attendance of such person and the giving of testimony or production of evidence.  Any person failing to obey the court's order may be punished for contempt.

      (2)  Order a person found to be in violation of this section to cease its unlawful practices, subject to review, hearing, and relief in the Superior Court.  A person that continues to violate the provisions of this act after having been ordered by the commissioner to cease such practices shall be liable to a penalty of $10,000 for each offense instead of the penalty for a continuous violation set forth in section 10 of P.L.1977, c.1 (C.17:16F-10).  This penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).  Except as set forth herein, the penalty provided by this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other provision of law applicable upon a person's failure to comply with an order of the commissioner.

 

     1[9.] 17.1 (New section)  a.  A person alleging discrimination in public or private housing, real property, or a place of public accommodation, based on a prior arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, 2[or civil penalty or community service imposed in lieu of a civil penalty if the act was an unlawful act and not a crime or offense,]2 for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute or dispense, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime 2[,] or2 offense 2[, or other unlawful act,]2 which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes 2[,] or2 offenses 2[, or unlawful acts]2, regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency 2[, or imposition of a civil penalty or community service,]2 occurred, may institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief.  All remedies available in common law tort actions shall be available to a prevailing plaintiff. The court may also order any or all of the following relief:

     (1)   an assessment of a civil fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 for the first violation of any of the provisions of this section, and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation;

     (2)   an injunction to restrain the continued violation of subsection a. of this section;

     (3)   if the discrimination impacted the person's employment, and if applicable:

     (a)   reinstatement of the person to the same position of employment or to a position equivalent to that which the person held prior to unlawful discharge or retaliatory action;

     (b)   reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; and

     (c)   compensation for any lost wages, benefits and other remuneration; and

     (4)   payment of reasonable costs and attorney's fees.

     b.    An action brought under this section shall be commenced within one year of the date of the alleged violation.

      c.   The private cause of action provided for in this section shall be the sole remedy for a violation of this section.

 

     1[10.] 18.1  Section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1) is amended to read as follows:

     1.    As used in P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:

     "Biotechnology" means any technique that uses living organisms, or parts of living organisms, to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop micro-organisms for specific uses; including the industrial use of recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and novel bioprocessing techniques.

     "Custodian of a government record" or "custodian" means in the case of a municipality, the municipal clerk and in the case of any other public agency, the officer officially designated by formal action of that agency's director or governing body, as the case may be.

     "Government record" or "record" means any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business by any officer, commission, agency or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his or its official business by any such officer, commission, agency, or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof.  The terms shall not include inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material.

     A government record shall not include the following information which is deemed to be confidential for the purposes of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:

     information received by a member of the Legislature from a constituent or information held by a member of the Legislature concerning a constituent, including but not limited to information in written form or contained in any e-mail or computer data base, or in any telephone record whatsoever, unless it is information the constituent is required by law to transmit;

     any memorandum, correspondence, notes, report or other communication prepared by, or for, the specific use of a member of the Legislature in the course of the member's official duties, except that this provision shall not apply to an otherwise publicly-accessible report which is required by law to be submitted to the Legislature or its members;

     any copy, reproduction or facsimile of any photograph, negative or print, including instant photographs and videotapes of the body, or any portion of the body, of a deceased person, taken by or for the medical examiner at the scene of death or in the course of a post mortem examination or autopsy made by or caused to be made by the medical examiner except:

     when used in a criminal action or proceeding in this State which relates to the death of that person,

     for the use as a court of this State permits, by order after good cause has been shown and after written notification of the request for the court order has been served at least five days before the order is made upon the county prosecutor for the county in which the post mortem examination or autopsy occurred,

     for use in the field of forensic pathology or for use in medical or scientific education or research, or

     for use by any law enforcement agency in this State or any other state or federal law enforcement agency;

     criminal investigatory records;

     the portion of any criminal record concerning a person's detection, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition for unlawful 1[distribution of] manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing1 , or possessing or having under control with intent to 1manufacture,1  distribute,1 or dispense,1 marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, 1dispensing,1 or possessing 1,1 or having under control with intent to distribute 1or dispense1 , on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with 1[the] that1 marijuana or hashish;

     2[on and after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), any record concerning a person's commission of an unlawful act of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing or having under control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, 1[or possessing marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10,]1 for which a civil penalty was imposed;]2

     victims' records, except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim's own records;

     any written request by a crime victim for a record to which the victim is entitled to access as provided in this section, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency report, domestic violence offense report, and temporary or permanent restraining order;

     personal firearms records, except for use by any person authorized by law to have access to these records or for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, for purposes of the administration of justice;

     personal identifying information received by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection in connection with the issuance of any license authorizing hunting with a firearm.  For the purposes of this paragraph, personal identifying information shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, telephone number, fax number, driver's license number, email address, or social media address of any applicant or licensee;

     trade secrets and proprietary commercial or financial information obtained from any source.  For the purposes of this paragraph, trade secrets shall include data processing software obtained by a public body under a licensing agreement which prohibits its disclosure;

     any record within the attorney-client privilege.  This paragraph shall not be construed as exempting from access attorney or consultant bills or invoices except that such bills or invoices may be redacted to remove any information protected by the attorney-client privilege;

     administrative or technical information regarding computer hardware, software and networks which, if disclosed, would jeopardize computer security;

     emergency or security information or procedures for any buildings or facility which, if disclosed, would jeopardize security of the building or facility or persons therein;

     security measures and surveillance techniques which, if disclosed, would create a risk to the safety of persons, property, electronic data or software;

     information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders;

     information generated by or on behalf of public employers or public employees in connection with any sexual harassment complaint filed with a public employer or with any grievance filed by or against an individual or in connection with collective negotiations, including documents and statements of strategy or negotiating position;

     information which is a communication between a public agency and its insurance carrier, administrative service organization or risk management office;

     information which is to be kept confidential pursuant to court order;

     any copy of form DD-214, NGB-22, or that form, issued by the United States Government, or any other certificate of honorable discharge, or copy thereof, from active service or the reserves of a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or from service in the organized militia of the State, that has been filed by an individual with a public agency, except that a veteran or the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse shall have access to the veteran's own records;

     any copy of an oath of allegiance, oath of office or any affirmation taken upon assuming the duties of any public office, or that oath or affirmation, taken by a current or former officer or employee in any public office or position in this State or in any county or municipality of this State, including members of the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, and all law enforcement entities, except that the full name, title, and oath date of that person contained therein shall not be deemed confidential;

     that portion of any document which discloses the social security number, credit card number, unlisted telephone number or driver license number of any person; except for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf thereof, or any private person or entity seeking to enforce payment of court-ordered child support; except with respect to the disclosure of driver information by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission as permitted by section 2 of P.L.1997, c.188 (C.39:2-3.4); and except that a social security number contained in a record required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file by a public agency shall be disclosed when access to the document or disclosure of that information is not otherwise prohibited by State or federal law, regulation or order or by State statute, resolution of either or both houses of the Legislature, Executive Order of the Governor, rule of court or regulation promulgated under the authority of any statute or executive order of the Governor;

     a list of persons identifying themselves as being in need of special assistance in the event of an emergency maintained by a municipality for public safety purposes pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2017, c.266 (C.40:48-2.67); and

     a list of persons identifying themselves as being in need of special assistance in the event of an emergency maintained by a county for public safety purposes pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2011, c.178 (C.App.A:9-43.13).

     A government record shall not include, with regard to any public institution of higher education, the following information which is deemed to be privileged and confidential:

     pedagogical, scholarly and/or academic research records and/or the specific details of any research project conducted under the auspices of a public higher education institution in New Jersey, including, but not limited to research, development information, testing procedures, or information regarding test participants, related to the development or testing of any pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical delivery system, except that a custodian may not deny inspection of a government record or part thereof that gives the name, title, expenditures, source and amounts of funding and date when the final project summary of any research will be available;

     test questions, scoring keys and other examination data pertaining to the administration of an examination for employment or academic examination;

     records of pursuit of charitable contributions or records containing the identity of a donor of a gift if the donor requires non-disclosure of the donor's identity as a condition of making the gift provided that the donor has not received any benefits of or from the institution of higher education in connection with such gift other than a request for memorialization or dedication;

     valuable or rare collections of books and/or documents obtained by gift, grant, bequest or devise conditioned upon limited public access;

     information contained on individual admission applications; and

     information concerning student records or grievance or disciplinary proceedings against a student to the extent disclosure would reveal the identity of the student.

     "Personal firearms record" means any information contained in a background investigation conducted by the chief of police, the county prosecutor, or the Superintendent of State Police, of any applicant for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any application for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any document reflecting the issuance or denial of a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; and any permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or any firearms license, certification, certificate, form of register, or registration statement.  For the purposes of this paragraph, information contained in a background investigation shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, phone number, fax number, driver's license number, email address, social media address of any applicant, licensee, registrant or permit holder.

     "Public agency" or "agency" means any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of State Government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by such department; the Legislature of the State and any office, board, bureau or commission within or created by the Legislative Branch; and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency.  The terms also mean any political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by a political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any independent authority, commission, instrumentality or agency created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions.

     "Law enforcement agency" means a public agency, or part thereof, determined by the Attorney General to have law enforcement responsibilities.

     "Constituent" means any State resident or other person communicating with a member of the Legislature.

     "Member of the Legislature" means any person elected or selected to serve in the New Jersey Senate or General Assembly.

     "Criminal investigatory record" means a record which is not required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file that is held by a law enforcement agency which pertains to any criminal investigation or related civil enforcement proceeding.

     "Victim's record" means an individually-identifiable file or document held by a victims' rights agency which pertains directly to a victim of a crime except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim's own records.

     "Victim of a crime" means a person who has suffered personal or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of a crime, or if such a person is deceased or incapacitated, a member of that person's immediate family.

     "Victims' rights agency" means a public agency, or part thereof, the primary responsibility of which is providing services, including but not limited to food, shelter, or clothing, medical, psychiatric, psychological or legal services or referrals, information and referral services, counseling and support services, or financial services to victims of crimes, including victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crime, child endangerment, child abuse or child neglect, and the Victims of Crime Compensation Board, established pursuant to P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.) and continued as the Victims of Crime Compensation Office pursuant to P.L.2007, c.95 (C.52:4B-3.2 et al.) and Reorganization Plan No. 001-2008.

(cf: P.L.2019, c.255, s.4)

     2[119.  N.J.S.2C:52-30 is amended to read as follows:

     2C:52-30.   Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, [any]

     a.     Any person who reveals to another the existence of an arrest, conviction, unlawful act violation, or related legal proceeding with knowledge that the records and information pertaining thereto have been expunged or sealed is a disorderly person.  Notwithstanding the provisions of [section] N.J.S.2C:43-3, the maximum fine which can be imposed for violation of this section is [$200.00] $2,000.

     b.    (1)  Any person or entity regularly engaged in the business of collecting, assembling, evaluating or disseminating persons' records of occurrences or related legal proceedings described in subsection a. of this section for a fee shall regularly update the records to ensure accuracy, promptly delete a record that has been expunged or sealed, provide clients with the date collected and explain to clients that records are valid only as of the date collected.

     (2)   Any person or entity regularly engaged in the business of collecting, assembling, evaluating or disseminating records of occurrences or related legal proceedings described in subsection a. of this section for a fee, which disseminates a record that has been expunged or sealed and knows or should have known at the time of dissemination that the record has been expunged or sealed is liable to the person who is the subject of the record for damages totaling $5,000 or the actual damages caused by the violation, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney fees.1

(cf: N.J.S.2C:52-30)]2

 

     2[120.] 19.2 (New section)  The Administrative Director of the Courts shall maintain and provide information to any person upon request about the expungement process and legal services programs Statewide and in each county which may be available to assist the person with an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3).1

 

     2[121.] 20.2  (New section)  a. (1) The Administrative Director of the Courts shall develop and maintain a multilingual public awareness campaign to promote awareness of the expungement process, including an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), and the expungement e-filing system established pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-10.1), as well as information on State, local, non-profit and other private job training programs in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with a focus on assisting those persons eligible for the expedited expungement of their records pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or a "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), respectively.

     (2)   The public awareness campaign shall, at a minimum, utilize electronic and print media, and shall make available electronically on an Internet website a petition form and a list of the supporting information necessary for an expungement, including an expedited or "clean slate" expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.1) or section 7 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-5.3), respectively, using the expungement e-filing system once established pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2019, c.269 (C.2C:52-10.1).

     (3)   The petition and supporting information shall, at a minimum, be made available in English and Spanish. 

     b.    The Administrative Director of the Courts shall include in the annual report on the activities of the Administrative Office of the Courts, prepared pursuant to N.J.S.2A:12-5, information about the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign developed and maintained pursuant to subsection a. of this section, beginning no later than one year after the effective date of P.L.    ,  c.     (C.          ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).1

 

     1[11.] 2[22.1] 21.2 3[This] Sections 1 through 5 of this3 act shall take effect 1[on the 90th day following enactment, except that the Attorney General, Administrative Director of the Courts, and the Supreme Court may take any anticipatory action as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act] 2[immediately1] 3[on the 120th day following enactment2] immediately, and the remaining sections of this act shall take effect on the same date as the date that actions occur on matters based on provisions in any sections in P.L.    , c.   (C.          ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint of Assembly Bill No. 21), in which those actions are to occur on the first day of the fifth month next following the date of enactment of that act3 .

 

 

                                

 

     Provides for certain criminal and civil justice reforms, particularly addressing legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as raising awareness of available expungement relief.

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