New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2369

Introduced
1/29/24  

Caption

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

Impact

Furthermore, the bill introduces restrictions that prohibit sex offenders, who have committed crimes against individuals under the age of 18, from residing within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, and playgrounds. The intent behind this mandate is to create safer environments for children by limiting where these offenders can live, thereby reducing the potential risks to minors in public spaces.

Summary

Senate Bill 2369 aims to enhance public safety by expanding regulations related to sex offenders in New Jersey. The bill requires that when a registered sex offender moves into a municipality, the chief law enforcement officer of that area must notify the governing body by forwarding the sex offender's name and address. This policy aims to ensure that local officials are informed about the presence of sex offenders, especially those who have committed offenses against minors.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on enhancing child safety, it has raised conversations about the balance between public safety and the rehabilitation of offenders. Critics argue that such residential restrictions might not necessarily reduce recidivism rates among sex offenders and may instead hinder their reintegration into society. Additionally, the bill does make allowances for specific cases where offenders may reside within the designated zones under certain circumstances, such as pre-existing residences or exceptions granted by parole boards or courts.

Companion Bills

NJ A4389

Same As Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A691

Carry Over Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ S1674

Carry Over Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1674

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A4389

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A691

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ S161

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ S2778

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration; and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds with few exceptions.

NJ S1295

Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops.

NJ S1208

Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops.

NJ A3237

Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops.

NJ A1638

Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops.

NJ S1844

Conforms Megan's law to requirements of federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

Similar Bills

NJ S2778

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration; and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds with few exceptions.

NJ S161

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A4389

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A691

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ S1674

Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds.

NJ A4207

Prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities.

NJ S2888

Prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities.

NJ A1708

Prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities.