New JerseyFirst convictions for buying sex would become more serious crimes
New Jersey would treat a first conviction for buying sex as a more serious crime and split collected fines equally between two victim funds.
What it does
A first conviction for buying sex would become a more serious offense, called a fourth-degree crime. A fourth or later conviction would remain a third-degree crime.
Collected fines for buying sex would be divided equally between a fund for human trafficking survivors and an account for compensating crime victims.
Argument forSplitting collected fines between two victim funds could help support both human trafficking survivors and people seeking compensation for crime-related harm.
Argument againstPeople convicted for the first time could face the lasting burden of a more serious criminal record for buying sex.
More detail
New Jersey would make a first conviction for buying sex a fourth-degree crime. This covers people who buy sex, including making or accepting an offer to exchange something of economic value for sexual activity. A fourth or later conviction would remain a third-degree crime. The higher crime level would take effect immediately upon enactment.
The state would split collected fines for buying sex equally between two victim funds. The money would go to the Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund and the Victims of Crime Compensation Board Account. The split would apply to collected fines imposed for buying sex. The fine-sharing rule would take effect immediately upon enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 29Passed by the Assembly (79-0-0)Passed 1st Chamber
- Oct 22Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Oct 15Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations CommitteeMinor
- Oct 15Transferred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Feb 19Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal Justice