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NJ A1903

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Cleopatra Tucker

Click for details

Origin

General Assembly

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires the Commissioner of Corrections to establish a secure, confidential, and free reporting system for inmates to report sexual assault, harassment, physical violence, and mental abuse by correctional staff, with options for anonymous reporting and filing in the inmate's native language.

  • Prohibits punitive measures against inmates who file abuse complaints, including transfers to administrative segregation, temporary close custody, or changes to job assignments.

  • Mandates that inmates who file complaints be offered services from an independent victim advocate with expertise in emotional support for abuse victims.

  • Creates a fourth degree crime (up to 18 months imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine) for correctional officers or civilian staff who retaliate against inmates filing complaints or fail to report known or suspected abuse by other staff members.

  • Requires the commissioner to implement monitoring policies for staff retaliation that comply with federal Prison Rape Elimination Act standards.

Legislative Description

Prohibits retaliation against inmates in State correctional facilities who report sexual abuse; criminalizes retaliation and failure to report abuse.

Judiciary

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available