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Bill

A 5193

Renders contracts to provide criminal assistance unlawful; creates civil right of action for victims of certain criminal conduct.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Matsikoudis and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill criminalizes contracts designed to facilitate crime and creates civil liability for victims, aimed at holding facilitators accountable beyond traditional criminal prosecution.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
#crimevictim #crimes
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Bill Summary · A 5193

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 5193 would make it illegal to enter into contracts that facilitate or assist criminal activity, and would establish a civil lawsuit right for victims harmed by such criminal conduct. This appears designed to close legal loopholes where individuals might contractually agree to help others commit crimes while insulating themselves from liability.

Why is this important

Criminal enterprises sometimes use formal contracts to organize illegal activities, and victims currently have limited civil remedies against those who contractually agreed to aid criminals. This bill attempts to hold contract parties accountable for facilitating crime and provide victims with a direct pathway to recover damages without relying solely on criminal prosecution.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: First Amendment challenges may arise regarding restrictions on contract formation, and due process questions about what constitutes "criminal assistance" broadly enough to enforce fairly
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about "criminal assistance" contracts could be interpreted so broadly it affects legitimate business arrangements or so narrowly it becomes ineffective—the introduced text will clarify this
  • Liability chain: Unclear whether this applies only to direct parties to criminal contracts or extends to businesses/entities that unknowingly interact with such agreements, potentially creating unintended consequences

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

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