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SJR 156

Memorials, Retirement - Johnnie Sharp, Jr. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

NJ SJR 156 bars using a defendant’s creative expressions (lyrics, videos) as evidence or for impeachment in criminal trials, protecting free expression and reducing prejudice.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · SJR 156

SJR 156 Summary — “J.B.’s Law” (New Jersey)

Overview

SJR 156 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate on March 3, 2025, which would amend the state Rules of Evidence to exclude a defendant’s creative or artistic expressions (in audio or video format) from being admitted or used for impeachment in criminal proceedings. The resolution is designed to protect free expression and restrain the use of such expressions as evidence, aligning with concerns about prejudice and constitutional protections.

Purpose and Intent

  • To prevent creative or artistic expressions (e.g., lyrics, rap videos) from being admitted as evidence or used for impeachment in criminal cases.
  • To address longstanding concerns that these expressions can be unfairly prejudicial and potentially run afoul of the Confrontation Clause and First Amendment protections.
  • To codify a rule that creative/artistic expression is not relevant evidence in criminal trials and should not be relied upon to prove disposition, intent, or other material issues.

Key Provisions

Rule 401 — Definition of Relevant Evidence

  • Amended to explicitly exclude evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression in audio or video format from being considered “relevant evidence.”
  • Such expressions shall not be received into evidence or used for impeachment in a criminal proceeding.
  • Defines “creative or artistic expression” to include forms such as music, dance, performance art, visual art, poetry, literature, film, and related media.

Rule 404 — Character Evidence and Other Crimes

  • Adds a specific provision prohibiting evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression (original or derivative) in audio or video format from being received into evidence against the defendant in a criminal proceeding.
  • Reiterates general Rule 404 standards for character evidence and other crimes, but with a shield for creative/arts expressions.

Rule 801 — Definitions (Statement)

  • Clarifies that a creative or artistic expression shall not constitute a “statement” for purposes of hearsay and evidentiary rules.
  • States that such expressions shall not be received into evidence or used for impeachment in criminal cases.
  • Provides a definition of “creative or artistic expression.”

Affected Parties

  • Defendants in criminal proceedings in New Jersey (protections against use of lyrics/videos as evidence).
  • Prosecutors and law enforcement (limits on introducing certain types of evidence).
  • Judges and courts (application of amended Rules of Evidence).
  • Creators of music and other artistic expressions, as well as their representatives, who may benefit from reduced evidence-based prejudicial risk.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • The bill is a Joint Resolution (SJR 156), introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • If adopted, the Supreme Court of New Jersey may adopt the rules specified in the resolution by order after the Governor signs the joint resolution (P.L.1960, c.52).
  • Section 3 provides that the joint resolution shall take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature.
  • The actual rules would take effect on the date set in the Court’s order of adoption.
  • A companion bill exists: AJR 107.

Potential Impact

  • Strengthens protections for free expression in the criminal context by limiting the evidentiary use of artistic lyrics and videos.
  • Aims to reduce prejudice in juries and uphold constitutional protections (including under New Jersey’s Confrontation Clause and First Amendment considerations).
  • Could influence prosecutorial strategy, limiting a previously common line of argument based on musical lyrics or videos.

Companion and Status

  • Companion: AJR 107.
  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee (as of the latest available information).

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

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