New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2343

Introduced
3/21/22  

Caption

Reallocates portion of certain forfeited property as incentive for informants of drug-related offenses and to provide inpatient treatment for certain drug-dependent individuals.

Impact

Beyond incentivizing informants, the bill establishes the 'Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Assistance Fund.' This fund will receive 5% of the proceeds from property forfeitures linked to drug-related offenses and aims to provide financial assistance for New Jersey residents who seek inpatient drug treatment but cannot afford the services. The fund's operations and eligibility criteria will be overseen by the Commissioner of Human Services, highlighting a shift towards supporting rehabilitation in conjunction with law enforcement activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2343, introduced in New Jersey's 220th legislature, seeks to amend existing forfeiture laws related to property seized in drug-related cases. The bill proposes a reallocation of a portion of the proceeds from forfeited property, which is currently designated solely for law enforcement purposes, and introduces a financial incentive for individuals who provide information leading to drug prosecutions. Specifically, the bill stipulates that informants will receive 10% of the proceeds from property forfeited due to their information, thereby encouraging public cooperation in drug enforcement efforts.

Contention

While the bill aims to address the dual challenges of promoting drug enforcement and rehabilitation, it may raise concerns about the reliance on informants in drug cases, and questions regarding whether the financial incentives might lead to false testimonies or misuse. Critics may argue that reallocation of funds from law enforcement could undermine essential policing operations that rely heavily on such forfeited property proceeds, leading to potential reductions in law enforcement budgets. Thus, while the bill aims for a progressive stance on drug rehabilitation, it confronts the challenge of balancing enforcement needs with societal support frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2743

Reallocates portion of certain forfeited property as incentive for informants of drug-related offenses and to provide inpatient treatment for certain drug-dependent individuals.

NJ S444

Provides for forfeiture of vehicle where weapon was unlawfully possessed.

NJ A1379

Provides for forfeiture of vehicle where weapon was unlawfully possessed.

NJ HB05508

An Act Providing Funding From The Drug Assets Forfeiture Revolving Account For Inpatient Drug Treatment Services.

NJ A593

Authorizes municipalities to address certain unlawful operation of all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes through seizure and, in some circumstances, destruction of vehicles.

NJ S3131

Establishes penalties for person who commits motor vehicle noise violation.

NJ A4686

Establishes penalties for person who commits motor vehicle noise violation.

NJ A2174

Allows certain drug dealing offenses to be graded by "units," rather than weight, of controlled dangerous substances.

NJ A784

Allows certain drug dealing offenses to be graded by "units," rather than weight, of controlled dangerous substances.

NJ HB05866

An Act Concerning The Provision Of Necessary Medical Treatment For Drug-dependent Persons.

Similar Bills

NJ S2743

Reallocates portion of certain forfeited property as incentive for informants of drug-related offenses and to provide inpatient treatment for certain drug-dependent individuals.

CO HB1067

Criminal Asset Forfeiture Act

WV HB2673

To require a guilty verdict, before any property of any type are taken from an individual

CO HB1086

Due Process Asset Forfeiture Act

WV HB2585

Relating generally to forfeiture of contraband

WV HB4359

Creating the Criminal Forfeiture Process Act, replacing the West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act

WV HB4531

Relating generally to forfeiture of contraband

WV HB2072

Relating generally to forfeiture of contraband