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NJ A3650

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Don Guardian

Click for details

Origin

General Assembly

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes a 3-year behavioral health court pilot program in at least 2 counties and 5 municipalities, administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts
  • Allows courts to sentence eligible defendants to 1-3 years of behavioral health special probation instead of incarceration, even for offenses that normally carry a presumption of imprisonment
  • Requires defendants to undergo professional diagnostic assessment and enter a treatment program licensed by the Department of Human Services; eligibility excludes first-degree crimes, serious violent offenses, and those with firearm involvement
  • Permits courts to revoke probation for treatment violations, with mandatory revocation on second violation unless the court finds substantial likelihood of successful completion; courts may alternatively impose 30-60 days incarceration before reinstating probation
  • Allows successful program completers to apply for expungement of all related arrest and conviction records; requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to report on program effectiveness at 12 months and within 6 months after expiration

Legislative Description

Creates behavioral health court pilot program.

Judiciary

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available