NJ A4274

Minors under 18 charged with prostitution-related offenses would not be considered juvenile delinquents but instead referred to the Department of Children and Family Services for evaluation

Law enforcement must refer these minors for a determination of whether they qualify as a "socially or economically disadvantaged youth"

"Socially or economically disadvantaged youth" is defined as persons under 18 from lower income or socially disadvantaged families whose conduct likely stemmed from their social or economic circumstances

The bill expands existing affirmative defenses for prostitution charges to include all persons under 18, in addition to current protections for human trafficking victims

The legislation aims to redirect minors away from the juvenile justice system when their conduct may result from disadvantaged backgrounds, environment, lack of support, or systemic bias