New Jersey Assembly Bill A2284

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Establishes four-year pilot program in Ocean County for electronic monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders; designated as "Lisa's Law"; appropriates $2.5 million.

Impact

The bill modifies existing statutes related to domestic violence enforcement by introducing a system of electronic monitoring specifically for defendants convicted of contempt of a domestic violence order. It mandates that a court can only order electronic monitoring with the informed consent of the victim. The law further requires the court to evaluate the circumstances surrounding each individual case, making determinations based on various factors, such as the defendant's history of violence and potential risks to the victim. Financial responsibilities related to monitoring also fall upon the offenders, while provisions allow courts to waive fees in cases of financial hardship.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2284, designated as 'Lisa's Law,' establishes a four-year pilot program in Ocean County aimed at enhancing the monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders through electronic means. The program arises from growing concerns regarding the safety of victims and adopts measures to provide better tracking of offenders who have violated domestic violence orders. The implementation of this bill intends to enable informed consent from victims, allowing them to be involved in the electronic monitoring process. This is significant as it reconciles the need for public safety with the victims' rights and preferences regarding their protection.

Contention

While proponents of the bill view it as a progressive step towards enhancing victim safety, there are concerns regarding the civil liberties of defendants and the potential implications of constant monitoring. The introduction of civil penalties associated with domestic violence found in court has been met with mixed emotions. It raises questions about the responsible use of technology, the fairness in its application, and the sufficiency of potential measures to mitigate non-compliance with monitoring terms. As this pilot program unfolds, the evaluations and reports mandated could help shape future legislative efforts based on collected data and effectiveness in reducing domestic violence incidences.