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Bill

A 2240

Requires law enforcement to notify State Parole Board when parolee violates domestic violence restraining order.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Auth and 9 co-sponsors

Require sharing DVRO violations with SPB and reflect parole status in registry to improve supervision and coordination for parolees subject to DVROs.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2240

Overview

  • Bill: A2240 (New Jersey)
  • Session: 222
  • Jurisdiction: New Jersey
  • Purpose: Requires law enforcement and the Judiciary to notify the State Parole Board (SPB) when a parolee is charged with violating a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), and to reflect parole status in the domestic violence central registry. Establishes data-sharing and potential parole conditions tied to DVROs.

Main intent

  • Strengthen supervision and accountability of parolees by ensuring that violations of domestic violence restraining orders are promptly conveyed to the SPB and reflected in official registries.
  • Improve coordination among law enforcement, the judiciary, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and the SPB to monitor parolees who are subject to DVROs.

Key provisions and changes

1) Amendments to penalties and contempt handling for DVROs
- Violations of DVROs remain offenses under New Jersey law.
- Contempt proceedings involving DVROs generally heard in the Family Part; certain contempt offenses continue to be enforceable civilly or criminally as applicable.
- For a second or subsequent nonindictable DV contempt offense, a minimum term of at least 30 days is required.

2) Law enforcement procedures when DVRO contempt is charged
- If probable cause exists that a defendant committed contempt of a DVRO, officers must:
- Arrest and transport the defendant.
- Conduct a search of the domestic violence central registry and file a complaint.
- Notify the appropriate judge and request bail; arrange incarceration if necessary; set bail locally or via the court as appropriate.
- If the defendant is on parole supervision, immediately notify the Chairman of the SPB that a contempt charge is pending.

3) Central DV registry enhancements and access
- The AOC must maintain a central DV registry showing:
- DVROs, related charges, and violations.
- Whether a person in the registry is currently serving parole supervision.
- Access to registry data is limited to specified public agencies, prosecutors, courts, surrogates, DCF-related actors, and the SPB for purposes such as determining parole status or enforcing DVRO-related matters.
- Unauthorized disclosure of registry information constitutes a fourth-degree crime.

4) Parole board reporting and parole evaluation enhancements
- The SPB will have new duties and authorities related to DVROs:
- Upon parole release determinations, the SPB must search the DV registry to determine if the inmate is subject to a DVRO.
- If a DVRO is found, the SPB must notify the AOC so the parolee’s status is reflected in the registry. The SPB must also ensure the registry is updated when parole supervision ends.
- The parole report filed prior to an inmate’s parole eligibility date must note whether the inmate is the subject of a DVRO.
- The SPB may impose parole conditions to align with DVRO terms.

5) Data sharing development
- AOC and SPB must develop and implement a data-sharing system within one year of the bill’s effective date to exchange DV registry and parole information, consistent with existing law on information sharing.

6) Applicability and timing considerations
- For inmates with parole supervision commencing before the bill’s effective date, the SPB must search the DV registry and reflect status if applicable.
- The act allows for parole-board-imposed conditions if a DVRO is in effect on an inmate or parolee.

7) Effective date
- The act would take effect on the first day of the second month after enactment.

Who and what would be affected

  • Parolees under supervision in New Jersey.
  • Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and public defenders handling DVRO cases.
  • The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), which maintains the central DV registry.
  • The State Parole Board (SPB), which would receive DVRO-related notifications, adjust parole conditions, and reflect parole status in the registry.
  • Court systems and the Family Part handling DVRO contempt proceedings.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Within one year of enactment: AOC and SPB must develop and implement a data-sharing system for DV registry and parole information.
  • Ongoing: SPB must conduct DVRO status checks as part of parole decisions and reflect status in parole reports and the registry.
  • Immediate notification obligations: When a parolee is charged with DVRO violation, the county prosecutor or law enforcement agency must notify the SPB promptly.
  • Effect on existing DVRO and parole processes: Requires updates to registries and potential modifications to parole conditions to conform to DVRO terms.

Potential impact

  • Enhanced monitoring and faster dissemination of DVRO violations among parole supervision authorities.
  • Improved accuracy of parolee status in registry systems, aiding risk assessment and public safety.
  • Increased collaboration between AOC, SPB, and law enforcement in DVRO-related cases.
  • Possible procedural and IT implementation costs to create or upgrade the data-sharing system within the one-year timeline.

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

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