Senator Doug Steinhardt (R-23) on Tuesday urged swift legislative action on a bill that would allow municipalities greater authority in limiting where convicted sex offenders can live, following reports that a previously paroled offender was arrested again on child pornography charges.
The offender, whose identity has not been released, is accused of possessing over 800 files of child sexual abuse material, which were allegedly found on a memory card by federal investigators. The incident has reignited concerns about sex offender recidivism and the limitations local governments face in imposing residency restrictions.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the real dangers posed by repeat sex offenders and the urgent need for stronger local protections,” said Steinhardt in a statement. “Communities deserve a say in where convicted sex offenders can reside, especially when it comes to protecting our children.”
Steinhardt is pushing for the passage of bill S-3859, which would empower municipalities to enact local ordinances restricting where sex offenders can live. The legislation is intended to give towns the legal authority to implement residency rules that would place distance limits between offenders and locations such as schools and playgrounds.
The current state framework limits municipal power in regulating offender residency, following a 2009 New Jersey Supreme Court decision that struck down local ordinances as preempted by state law. S-3859 aims to reverse that precedent by explicitly granting towns the power to set their own boundaries.
Steinhardt also targets Democrats over criminal justice policies
In his statement, Steinhardt sharply criticized New Jersey’s current criminal justice policies, accusing Democratic lawmakers and Governor Phil Murphy of creating an environment that fails to protect communities. He claimed the administration “aids and abets” criminal activity by enacting reforms that reduce supervision and penalties for serious offenses.
“Governor Murphy and every Democrat legislator in NJ continues to aid and abet child pornographers, human traffickers, gun traffickers, drug traffickers, domestic violence abusers, and other violent criminals,” Steinhardt said. “I will fight that too.”
In addition to S-3859, Steinhardt has introduced S-3073, a separate bill that would allow municipalities to establish restricted zones near schools, child care centers, and playgrounds where certain registered sex offenders would be prohibited from residing. This bill seeks to reinforce local protections that advocates say are essential for safeguarding children.
Neither bill has yet advanced in the state legislature. Steinhardt’s office has not confirmed whether either proposal has bipartisan support or a scheduled hearing date.
Steinhardt’s call comes amid a broader debate over how states manage the reintegration and monitoring of convicted sex offenders.
A paroled sex offender’s rearrest on child pornography charges sparks renewed debate on local residency restrictions in New Jersey.