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A 5455

Requires the office for the prevention of domestic violence provide informational materials on removing an abuser's access to a smart home

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Allows the 17-member Commission on Human Trafficking to operate with a majority of seated members, not a majority of authorized seats, preventing paralysis from vacancies.

PRINT NUMBER 5455A
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Bill Summary · A 5455

Summary — A5455 (Print No. 5455A)

Bill number: A5455
Print version: 5455A
Introduced: March 17, 2025
Status: Referred to committee; Print No. 5455A (Amend & Recommit actions 4/28/25)
Sponsors: Asm. Jessica Ramirez, Asm. Michele Matsikoudis, Asm. Linda Rosenthal
Effective date (per bill): Immediately upon enactment

Note on conflicting materials: The packet you provided includes two different subject headings for A5455. The top of the packet lists a title about providing materials on removing an abuser’s access to a smart home (an Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence matter), but the full text and statement of the introduced/printed version are for an amendment to P.L.2013, c.51 concerning the Commission on Human Trafficking. This summary addresses the actual text in the introduced/printed version (Commission on Human Trafficking quorum change).

At a glance

A5455A amends the statute that created New Jersey’s Commission on Human Trafficking (P.L.2013, c.51) to allow the commission to act when a majority of its current members (those serving at the time) are present, rather than requiring a majority of its authorized membership (a fixed count based on full membership). The change is intended to prevent vacancies from preventing the commission from achieving a quorum and performing its duties.

Purpose / intent

The bill responds to operational difficulties caused by vacancies on the 17‑member commission. Under current law a quorum requires a majority of the authorized membership (nine of 17). Vacancies can make it difficult to reach that fixed number; the bill lets the commission operate when a majority of currently seated members are present.

Key provisions

  • Confirms the Commission on Human Trafficking continues to be the 17‑member body constituted under P.L.2013, c.51 (members include Attorney General or designee; Commissioners or designees; county prosecutor; task force member; Executive Director of Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance; and public members appointed by Governor with various recommendations — including at least one child advocacy representative and one survivor).
  • Changes quorum language so that the commission may organize and exercise its powers when a majority of the commission’s current members are present, instead of a majority of its authorized membership.
  • Retains other statutory features: member terms, appointment process, duties (evaluate law, review victim services, promote coordination and public awareness, annual report to Governor & Legislature), reimbursement rules, and staff support from the Division of Criminal Justice.
  • Effective immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected / likely impact

  • Commission on Human Trafficking: operationally benefits — reduced risk of paralysis due to vacancies; easier to schedule meetings and vote on recommendations.
  • State agencies and stakeholders: more reliable functioning of commission oversight, reporting, and policy recommendations concerning human trafficking law, victim services, training and public awareness.
  • No change to commission composition, duties, compensation, or funding levels.

Legislative status & process notes

  • Introduced in the Assembly on 3/17/2025; referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee initially, then actions indicate referral/amend-and-recommit to Governmental Operations and Print No. 5455A issued on 4/28/2025.
  • Companion bills: S4320 and S8045 (Senate).

Additional note

If your primary interest was the “smart home” / domestic violence informational materials referenced in the packet header, that subject is not reflected in the printed text of A5455A provided here. Confirm the correct bill number or obtain the latest legislative text to summarize that separate topic.

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

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