Creates neutral safe exchange zones at county sheriff offices for certain custody and parenting time exchanges of minor children; makes appropriation.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey creates neutral safe exchange zones at county sheriff offices for custody handoffs, funded and monitored with 24/7 lighting, video, and liability protections.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

Summary of Bill S 587 (2026) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

S 587 proposes the creation of neutral safe exchange zones at county sheriff offices to facilitate custody and parenting time exchanges of minor children. The bill also authorizes funding to implement these zones and establishes various standards for operation and liability. The overarching goal is to provide a controlled, safe, and transparent environment for exchanges, potentially reducing conflicts and risk during handoffs.

Key provisions and changes

Court-ordered exchanges

If a court issues an order for parenting time or custody that involves exchanging a minor child, the court must direct that the exchange occur at:
a neutral safe exchange zone established under the bill, or
an exchange site designated by the court.
For enforcement actions, the court may order exchanges at a court-designated site if there has been a history of domestic violence or if a restraining order exists.

Designation and operation of neutral zones

Each county sheriff must designate at least one parking lot at the sheriff’s office (or a substation) as a neutral safe exchange zone.
Requirements for each zone include:
Clear signage identifying the area as a neutral safe exchange zone.
24/7 accessibility.
Adequate lighting.
External video surveillance, recording 24/7, capable of recording day and night, with clear time/date display.
Video recordings must be retained for at least 45 days.

Liability

The act provides that no county, sheriff, law enforcement officer, or employee shall be liable for civil damages for acts or omissions related to a meeting conducted at a neutral safe exchange zone.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation from the General Fund to each county sheriff’s office to create neutral safe exchange zones.

Effective date

The act would take effect on the first day of the 13th month following enactment.

Who is affected

County sheriffs and their offices/substations will designate and operate neutral safe exchange zones.

Parents and guardians involved in custody or parenting time exchanges may use these designated zones for exchanges.

Judges and court systems will determine when exchanges must occur at these zones or at court-designated sites, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or restraining orders.

Law enforcement personnel and county employees involved in processing exchanges will be shielded from civil liability related to exchanges conducted at these zones.

Procedural and timeline considerations

The bill is introduced in the Senate and follows the legislative process, with amendments reported by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (June 11, 2026) and referral to the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The funding mechanism is contingent on appropriation from the General Fund.

The implementation timeline depends on the enactment date, with the zones required to be established and operational after the 13th month post-enactment.

Overall, S 587 creates standardized, supervised exchange locations to promote safety and record-keeping during child custody handoffs, supported by state funding and protective liability provisions.