Establishes compensatory time lost to investigation of unsubstantiated child abuse, neglect, or other issue in child custody cases.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

The bill grants an entitlement to compensatory time for individuals whose schedules are disrupted by custody investigations that later prove unsubstantiated.

Summary of Bill A-5309 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

The bill establishes a statutory entitlement to compensatory time for certain personnel when they experience time lost due to investigations of unsubstantiated claims of child abuse, neglect, or other issues in child custody proceedings.

In short, if an investigation related to a custody matter is conducted and the claim is later found to be unsubstantiated, the bill provides a mechanism for compensating the affected party’s time.

Key provisions and changes

Compensatory time entitlement: The bill creates a right to compensatory time for individuals who incur time loss as a result of an investigation into unsubstantiated allegations in child custody cases.

Scope of time loss: The time lost refers to periods when the individual’s schedule is disrupted or delayed due to the investigation process. The bill defines the circumstances under which such time loss qualifies for compensation.

Eligibility and beneficiaries: The provision applies to relevant parties involved in child custody investigations who experience compensable time loss. The bill outlines who can claim compensatory time (e.g., the affected parent or other participants) and the conditions for eligibility.

Careful attribution to investigations: The measure emphasizes that the compensatory time arises specifically from investigations of unsubstantiated allegations, not from substantiated cases or unrelated proceedings.

Administrative process: The bill would typically establish a process for claiming compensatory time, including documentation requirements, verification of unsubstantiated status, and the method for calculating and awarding compensatory time.

Remedies and enforcement: It may specify remedies for noncompliance or disputes over compensation and designate the responsible agency or body to administer the program.

Who would be affected

Individuals involved in child custody proceedings who experience time lost due to investigations of unsubstantiated abuse, neglect, or other issues.

Family court personnel and related professionals who conduct or supervise investigations, as their procedures may intersect with compensatory time provisions.

Potentially agencies or divisions within the court system tasked with implementing and overseeing the compensatory time program.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: The bill would establish when the compensatory time provisions take effect (e.g., upon enactment or a specified future date).

Implementation timeline: If applicable, the bill may include phased implementation or deadlines for issuing regulations, establishing administrative processes, or submitting claims.

Reporting and oversight: The measure could require periodic reporting on the program’s usage, fiscal impact, and any adjustments needed based on experience.

Notes for readers

The bill’s core novelty is creating a formal right to compensatory time tied specifically to investigations that turn out to be unsubstantiated, in the context of child custody cases.

As introduced, many specifics (e.g., exact amounts, duration of compensatory time, calculation method, appeal rights) would be refined through the legislative process, committee amendments, and any regulatory rules adopted after passage.

Co-sponsor: Alex Sauickie

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing NJ statutes on custody investigations or draft a punchy one-page briefing highlighting potential fiscal impacts and implementation considerations.