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Bill

A 4894

Makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

The bill strengthens crime victims’ rights by ensuring timely information, participation in proceedings, safety, privacy, and access to advocacy and restitution.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4894

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4894 (Session 222)

Title

Makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to update, clarify, and expand certain rights and protections afforded to victims of crime under New Jersey law. It seeks to enhance victims’ participation in the criminal justice process, ensure timely access to information, and address gaps or ambiguities in the current Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights (CVBR).

Key provisions and changes

Note: The following items reflect common areas typically revised in amendments to the CVBR. If you need precise statutory language or line-item changes, please consult the bill text.

  • Notification and information rights

    • Strengthening victims’ right to timely information regarding the status of criminal prosecutions, court proceedings, and outcomes.
    • Expanded requirements for agencies to provide updates on plea hearings, sentencing, and disposition of cases.

  • Participation in proceedings

    • Affirmation or expansion of victims’ rights to attend court proceedings related to the offense.
    • Provisions to ensure victims have the opportunity to address the court at relevant stages (e.g., pretrial, sentencing, and post-conviction stages), subject to existing safety and confidentiality rules.

  • Protection and safety measures

    • Provisions intended to safeguard victims from harassment or intimidation by defendants, witnesses, or their representatives, including implications for access to courts and waiting areas.

  • Financial and advisory considerations

    • Clarifications around reimbursement or consideration of reasonable expenses incurred by victims in relation to participation in the proceedings (e.g., travel costs), consistent with current state funding or victim services programs.

  • Services and advocacy

    • Potential expansion or clarification of access to victim advocacy services, including coordination with county prosecutors, police, and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General or other designated agencies.

  • Confidentiality and privacy

    • Enhancements to protections around the disclosure of a victim’s identifying information in court records and proceedings, balancing transparency with safety and privacy concerns.

  • Restitution and financial remedies

    • Revisions to restitution guidelines, including how restitution should be requested, calculated, and enforced, and the role of prosecutors or courts in ensuring timely payment to victims.

  • Definitions and scope

    • Possible updates to the definitions of “victim,” “affected stakeholders,” or related terms to align with contemporary understanding and to cover additional categories of victims or offenses.

  • Coordination and administration

    • Clarifications on which state and local agencies are responsible for implementing CVBR provisions and how they coordinate with each other and with victim service providers.

who is affected

  • Victims of crime and their immediate family members or dependents who may be entitled to enhanced rights and services.
  • Criminal justice system actors (prosecutors, defense counsel, judges, court personnel, law enforcement) responsible for implementing CVBR rights.
  • Victim service providers and advocates who administer or coordinate services and information.
  • State and local agencies involved in the administration and funding of victim services and restitution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would typically specify effective dates for new provisions (e.g., immediate upon enactment or a defined phased-in timeline).
  • It may provide transitional rules to apply to ongoing cases and to ensure smooth implementation by relevant agencies.
  • Potential updates to reporting deadlines, notification timelines, and mandated training or compliance measures for agencies.

Potential impact

  • Strengthened transparency and communication between the criminal justice system and crime victims.
  • Improved access to court information, participation rights, and advocacy support.
  • Enhanced safety and privacy protections for victims in court and public records.
  • Clearer processes for restitution and financial reimbursements related to victim participation.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to include exact statutory changes, dollar figures, and specific timelines as soon as the full bill text is provided or available.

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

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