New JerseyKnowingly recruiting children into criminal street gangs would count as trafficking
People who knowingly recruit children into criminal street gangs or, if they are adults, into illegal drug production or distribution would face human trafficking charges.
What it does
People who knowingly recruit or coerce children into criminal street gangs, or adults who do so for illegal drug production or distribution, would face human trafficking charges. A reasonable age mistake would not excuse them.
Argument forProsecutors could bring human trafficking charges against adults who knowingly recruit children for illegal drug production or distribution, giving them another way to prosecute that conduct.
Argument againstSomeone who knowingly recruits a child for a gang could face at least 20 years in prison, even after a reasonable age mistake.
More detail
People who knowingly recruit or coerce a child into a criminal street gang or, if adults, into illegal drug production or distribution would commit human trafficking. It covers children under 18 recruited into a criminal street gang, or used by someone at least 18 in illegal drug production or distribution. A reasonable mistake about the child's age would not be a defense. If enacted, this change would take effect immediately.
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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 1Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety