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Bill

A 1256

Establishes minimum level of domestic violence and sexual assault training for judges and judicial personnel.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a statutory minimum DV/SA training for judges and judicial staff, including 3+ hours annually and a required curriculum on trauma, safety, and relevant law.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1256

Summary of Bill A-1256 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a minimum training requirement for judges and judicial personnel in handling domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) matters.
  • Aims to standardize and strengthen the knowledge base of judges at all levels (including municipal court judges) and staff involved in intake and processing of DV and SA cases.
  • Addresses existing gap where no minimum training hours are mandated by statute, even though the Supreme Court provides training for higher-level judges.

Key provisions and changes

Training program development and content

  • The Administrative Director of the Courts (ADOC) must develop and approve a DV/SA training course and curriculum.
  • The training must cover:
    • Handling, investigation, and response procedures for DV reports and for abuse/neglect of the elderly and disabled.
    • A core curriculum for judges and judicial personnel involved with DV complaints and with SA matters outside the DV context.
    • At least 1.5 hours dedicated specifically to sexual violence topics, including:
    • Dynamics of sexual violence
    • Impacts on survivors and families
    • Risk factors and lethality related to sexual violence
    • Societal impact of sexually violent crime
    • Statutory and case law concerning sexual offenses
    • Core topics applicable to DV, such as:
    • Dynamics of DV
    • Impact of DV on children
    • Trauma-informed danger assessments
    • Batterer intervention programs
    • DV risk factors and lethality
    • Additional, case-specific培训 elements for municipal and superior court judges, including:
    • Temporary restraining orders (TROs) for emergent situations (municipal judges)
    • Issuance and enforcement of TROs and final restraining orders (FROs) for Superior Court judges
    • Child custody, parenting plans, child support, property distribution, housing expenses
    • Counseling and related supports
    • Training to address racial bias and discrimination affecting survivors and marginalized communities
    • Statutory and case law on DV
    • Elements of protection orders
    • Guidelines on when DV incidents trigger mandatory or discretionary arrest
    • Policies and procedures from AG or Supreme Court
    • Use of community resources and available sanctions and treatment options

Training frequency and oversight

  • Initial training within 90 days of appointment or transfer for:
    • Municipal court judges
    • Superior Court judges handling DV matters
    • Judicial personnel involved in intake/processing of DV complaints
  • Annual in-service training requirements for the judges and personnel, with:
    • At least 3 hours per the new DV/SA curriculum
    • Ongoing updates and periodic review every two years to modify curricula as needed
  • The ADOC is responsible for delivering and ensuring attendance at initial training and annual in-service training.

Law enforcement and related training

  • The bill reiterates/expands that the Attorney General shall ensure training for:
    • Law enforcement officers: initial training within 90 days of appointment/transfer and at least four hours of annual in-service training (in-person every three years).
    • Assistant county prosecutors involved in DV cases: initial training within 90 days of appointment/transfer and at least four hours of annual in-service training.
  • Police department processes should include establishing or joining domestic crisis teams, with potential inclusion of social workers, clergy, or other trained personnel to assist in counseling and crisis intervention.

Who is affected

  • Municipal court judges and Superior Court judges who adjudicate DV matters.
  • Judicial personnel involved in the intake and processing of DV complaints and SA cases outside the DV context.
  • Law enforcement officers and assistant county prosecutors handling DV cases.
  • Potentially, agencies and entities participating in domestic crisis teams (social workers, counselors, clergy, etc.).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate.
  • Implementation timeline requires:
    • Development and approval of the training curriculum by the ADOC.
    • Initial training completion within 90 days of appointment/transfer for the specified judges and personnel.
    • Ongoing annual in-service training requirements.
    • Biennial review and updates to the curriculum by the ADOC.

Overall impact

  • Creates a statutory minimum for DV/SA training hours for judges and judicial staff, ensuring more uniform and comprehensive education across municipal and higher courts.
  • Enhances consistency in handling DV and SA cases, with emphasis on trauma-informed practices, safety planning, and awareness of biases and disparities.
  • Strengthens coordination between courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community resources in responding to DV and SA.

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

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