NJ A398

Knowingly or willfully making a false report of child abuse or neglect becomes a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $15,000, or both

Persons convicted of making false child abuse reports may be assessed an additional civil penalty of up to $10,000

Civil penalty payments go to the State Treasurer for use by the Department of Children and Families

The offense applies to false reports made under the existing child abuse reporting statute (C.9:6-8.10)