New Jersey Assembly Bill A2595

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Establishes new crimes concerning commercial exploitation of a child.

Impact

This bill will amend existing New Jersey laws by creating new categories of criminal conduct specifically targeting the promotion and engagement in commercial exploitation of children. It adds serious consequences for offenders, establishing a criminal classification for promoting exploitation of children as a second-degree crime and engaging in such acts as a third-degree crime. Moreover, the bill incorporates these offenses into the state's racketeering laws, which implies a broader legal framework for combating organized crime and trafficking. It emphasizes the principle that enabling child exploitation in any form will face strict penalties under New Jersey law.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2595 establishes new crimes concerning the commercial exploitation of children. It specifically makes it illegal for individuals to promote or engage in activities that facilitate travel services for the purposes of prostitution or other sexual offenses involving minors. If passed, individuals who sell or facilitate travel services will face severe penalties, including significant prison time and hefty fines, especially if the victim is under the age of 18. The bill aims to combat the underlying problems of child sex trafficking and exploitation by criminalizing those who knowingly enable these heinous acts.

Contention

Notably, the legislation has sparked discussions regarding its effectiveness and potential for overreach in targeting those who may be inadvertently involved in travel services. Critics argue that while the intention to protect children is commendable, the broad language of the bill may unintentionally penalize innocent individuals or businesses operating outside the realm of exploitation. There are also concerns about how the law will be implemented and the implications for those who may be charged under vague criteria. The act hopes to strike a balance between preventing exploitation while not creating undue burdens on legitimate businesses.