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Bill

S 2429

Expands definition of victim of domestic violence.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco

New Jersey bill expands legal definition of domestic violence victims to potentially broaden access to protective orders and victim services.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2429

Legislative bill overview

S 2429 expands New Jersey's legal definition of who qualifies as a victim of domestic violence. The bill, introduced by Senator Tony Bucco, modifies existing statutory language to include additional categories of individuals or circumstances within domestic violence protections. The specific expansion details would depend on the bill's text comparing the current definition to the proposed one.

Why is this important

Expanding domestic violence victim definitions directly affects access to legal protections, restraining orders, emergency housing assistance, and social services. A broader definition can help individuals currently excluded from protections obtain court orders, criminal remedies, and supportive resources. However, the scope of expansion determines whether this meaningfully addresses gaps or creates administrative complications.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of expansion: Unclear whether the bill adds specific relationship types (dating partners, household members) or circumstances that may lack consensus on what constitutes "domestic" violence
  • Implementation concerns: Broader definitions require law enforcement, courts, and service providers to apply new standards, potentially creating inconsistent application or resource demands
  • Definitional precision: Vague language could either under-protect vulnerable populations or inadvertently include situations not traditionally considered domestic violence, affecting due process considerations

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

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