Bill Text: NJ A4626 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Allows certain prior statements by children to be admitted into evidence in child abuse and termination of parental rights cases.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-13 - Substituted by S497 [A4626 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-A4626-Amended.html

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[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4626

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED OCTOBER 22, 2018

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  GABRIELA M. MOSQUERA

District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Allows certain prior statements by children to be admitted into evidence in child abuse and termination of parental rights cases.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on November 18, 2019, with amendments.

  

An Act concerning child abuse and neglect and supplementing

P.L.1951, c.138 ¹(C.30:4C-1 et seq.)¹.

 

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

 

     1.    a.  Previous statements made by a child relating to any allegations of abuse or neglect of that child shall be admissible in evidence in any hearing: to terminate parental rights pursuant to section 15 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-15); to provide judicial review and approval of a permanency plan pursuant to section 26 of P.L.1999, c.53 (C.30:4C-11.4); to determine care and supervision or custody pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1951, c.138 (C.30:4C-12); for guardianship pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1991, c.275 (C.30:4C-15.2); to determine placement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1977, c.424 (C.30:4C-54); or in any other hearing that may be held during the course of child placement, permanency, or guardianship proceedings, or during the course of proceedings to terminate parental rights, pursuant to chapter 4C of Title 30 of the Revised Statutes.

     b.    No such statement, if uncorroborated, shall be sufficient to make a determination that termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child, or to make a fact finding of abuse or neglect.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.