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Bill

S 4066

Establishes that final restraining order survives plaintiff's death where other persons are also protected; requires prosecutors to provide notice of defendant's release to other persons protected by order.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Diegnan and 2 co-sponsors

Bill preserves restraining orders after plaintiff death when others are protected and requires prosecutors to notify all protected parties of defendant release.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
#domesticvio #judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4066

Legislative bill overview

S 4066 modifies New Jersey's restraining order laws to ensure that protective orders remain in effect after the plaintiff's death when other individuals are also named as protected parties under the same order. The bill also mandates that prosecutors notify all protected persons when a defendant is released, rather than only notifying the original plaintiff.

Why is this important

Domestic violence and harassment victims often obtain restraining orders that protect multiple family members or household residents. Without this change, the death of the primary plaintiff could inadvertently invalidate protections for vulnerable dependents, spouses, or other household members still at risk. The notification requirement ensures all protected parties can take safety precautions if a dangerous defendant is released.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: Prosecutors may face increased workload identifying and locating all protected parties to provide timely release notifications, potentially straining limited resources.
  • Privacy and contact concerns: Notifying multiple protected parties could require prosecutors to maintain and share contact information, raising privacy considerations and potential unintended contact between parties.
  • Legal ambiguity: The bill may need clarification on how to handle situations where some protected parties have moved, changed contact information, or themselves face safety risks from notification processes.

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

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