WeVote
Log In

Bill

KE

Bill

A 565

Adds new civil penalties and increases surcharges imposed on domestic violence offenders; establishes "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Egan and 5 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill creates domestic violence offender surcharges to fund legal assistance for survivors seeking protective orders and related civil remedies.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
#crimevictim #crimes #domesticrel
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 565

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 565 establishes new financial penalties and increased surcharges on individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses in New Jersey. These collected funds would be directed to a newly created "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund" designed to support legal services for survivors of domestic violence.

Why is this important

Domestic violence survivors often face significant barriers to accessing legal representation for protective orders, custody disputes, and related civil matters. This bill attempts to create a dedicated funding stream for legal assistance by shifting costs to offenders rather than taxpayers, potentially improving survivors' access to justice while holding perpetrators financially accountable.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that additional surcharges compound sentences disproportionately, particularly affecting low-income offenders, and whether such financial penalties effectively deter domestic violence or simply burden offenders' families
  • Fund administration and effectiveness: Questions about how the fund will be managed, whether collected revenues will prove sufficient and stable, and whether legal aid distributed through this mechanism will be effectively allocated to those most in need
  • Scope and definitions: Debate over which domestic violence convictions trigger penalties, whether misdemeanors and felonies are treated equally, and whether the surcharge amounts are appropriately calibrated to offense severity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.