New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A386

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides parties offering public remarks before Senate committees concerning qualifications of Superior Court judge nominees, upon motion, change of venue on family actions, to vicinage other than vicinage where nominee is assigned if confirmed.

Impact

If enacted, A386 would amend current procedures relating to family court actions linked to judicial nominations, allowing for greater protection of litigants' rights and ensuring impartiality in ongoing cases. By permitting a change of venue, the bill seeks to address potential biases that may arise when a nominee's character comes into question during public discussions. Thus, it promotes a more equitable judicial environment during the review of nominee qualifications, reflecting a commitment to upholding the integrity of the family court system.

Summary

Assembly Bill A386 aims to enhance public participation in the Senate's review process of gubernatorial nominees to the Superior Court by allowing parties involved in family law actions to request a change of venue. Specifically, when a party presents oral remarks concerning the qualifications or character of a judicial nominee during Senate committee meetings, they will have the ability to motion for their ongoing family proceedings to be moved to a different vicinage. This mechanism aims to ensure fair treatment in family law cases, particularly if the nominee has been publicly criticized by any involved parties.

Contention

The bill may provoke discussion regarding its implications for the judicial nomination process, as it could be perceived by some as facilitating a potentially disruptive influence on family law cases associated with openly contested judicial nominees. Critics may argue that this change could lead to an increased burden on the courts to accommodate venue changes, and they could express concerns regarding its potential to complication judicial efficiency and family law proceedings. Nonetheless, supporters would likely argue that it is a necessary safeguard to protect the interests of fair treatment in judicial proceedings.

Companion Bills

NJ A1394

Carry Over Provides parties offering public remarks before Senate committees concerning qualifications of Superior Court judge nominees, upon motion, change of venue on family actions, to vicinage other than vicinage where nominee is assigned if confirmed.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1394

Provides parties offering public remarks before Senate committees concerning qualifications of Superior Court judge nominees, upon motion, change of venue on family actions, to vicinage other than vicinage where nominee is assigned if confirmed.

NJ S3428

Establishes the "Mental Health Court Pilot Program" in several vicinages.

NJ A5059

Establishes the "Mental Health Court Pilot Program" in several vicinages.

NJ HB296

Provides relative to the nominating committee and nominees for the Board of Ethics

NJ HB34

Confirmation/qualifications Of Judges

NJ SB0147

Election of Lake County superior court judges.

NJ SB21

Regards venue for appeal from an agency order, court changes

NJ SB0207

Election of Lake County superior court judges.

NJ SB0025

Election of Lake County superior court judges.

NJ SB0017

Election of Lake County superior court judges.

Similar Bills

NJ A1394

Provides parties offering public remarks before Senate committees concerning qualifications of Superior Court judge nominees, upon motion, change of venue on family actions, to vicinage other than vicinage where nominee is assigned if confirmed.

CA AB1181

Juveniles: court records.

CA AB1452

Pilot program: increased fee for low-income jurors: criminal trials.

CA SB1274

Vital records: adoptees’ birth certificates.

DE HB75

An Act To Amend Title 10 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Statute Of Limitations For Civil Claims Based On Sexual Abuse Of A Minor.

NJ A2638

Provides religious exemption for clergy and religious organizations concerning same-sex marriages and civil unions.

DE HB105

An Act To Amend Title 19 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Employment Practices.

CA AB2629

Firearms: prohibited persons.