New Jersey Assembly Bill A1406

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Creates offense of making false child abuse report; permits assessment of penalty.

Impact

The introduction of A1406 is intended to strengthen the integrity of child protection services by discouraging frivolous and malicious reports. By imposing significant legal repercussions, including potentially hefty fines and jail time, the bill is designed to send a clear message about the seriousness of false accusations in the realm of child abuse. This might encourage more honest reporting practices and allow child welfare resources to be focused on genuine cases, ultimately improving the system’s effectiveness and public trust.

Summary

A1406 aims to address the issue of false child abuse reports by establishing it as a criminal offense. Specifically, the bill defines the act of knowingly or willfully making a false report of child abuse or neglect as a crime of the third degree. Third degree crimes in New Jersey typically carry penalties ranging from three to five years of imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000. This legislative action seeks to deter individuals from making false allegations, which can severely impact the lives of those accused and the functioning of the child welfare system.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various members of the legislature, concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications on reporting practices. Opponents argue that the threat of criminal charges and financial penalties may discourage genuine reports of child abuse, as individuals might fear retribution for mistakenly believing abuse is occurring. There are worries that the legislation could unintententionally shield abusive behaviors if individuals are hesitant to come forward due to the stringent penalties associated with wrongful reporting.