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Bill

Bill

S 77

Expands statute authorizing temporary restraining orders for certain alleged stalking victims to include victims of any age or mental capacity.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Holzapfel

Bill removes age and mental capacity restrictions from New Jersey's stalking restraining order law, allowing any person to seek court protection from stalkers.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · S 77

Legislative bill overview

S 77 expands New Jersey's temporary restraining order (TRO) statute to remove age and mental capacity restrictions for stalking victims seeking court protection. Currently, the law limits TRO access to certain categories of victims; this bill would make the protection mechanism available to any person experiencing stalking, regardless of age or cognitive status.

Why is this important

Stalking affects individuals across all demographics, including minors and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities—populations that may face particular vulnerability. Expanding TRO access addresses potential gaps in existing protections and recognizes that all stalking victims deserve equal access to legal remedies for their safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill's success depends on how "stalking" is precisely defined; overly broad definitions could create false positives or burden courts with frivolous claims
  • Mental capacity determinations: Removing mental capacity restrictions raises questions about who can initiate proceedings on behalf of vulnerable individuals and what safeguards prevent misuse by guardians or third parties
  • Court capacity and resources: Expanding TRO eligibility could increase demand on already-stretched judicial systems, potentially affecting processing times and case quality
  • Age-related complications: Including minors may create procedural questions about parental involvement, consent, and interaction with family court systems

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

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