TRENTON, NJ – A new four-year pilot program aimed at improving victim safety in domestic violence cases has advanced in Trenton, following approval by the Assembly Judiciary Committee of Assembly Bill 3731. The legislation establishes an electronic monitoring and victim notification system for certain offenders in Ocean County, or another county if designated by the Attorney General, marking one of the state’s most comprehensive efforts yet to integrate technology into domestic violence prevention.
Under the bill, electronic monitoring could be ordered for individuals convicted of contempt of a restraining order under New Jersey’s domestic violence laws. Participation would require the victim’s informed consent, ensuring that monitoring is only implemented when both legal and safety conditions are met. The court would determine eligibility based on factors including the defendant’s history of violence, access to weapons, prior threats, and the safety interests of any children involved.
Defendants placed on monitoring would be tracked using devices meeting federal “Offender Tracking Systems NIJ Standard 1004.00,” which sets national guidelines for accuracy and reliability. The system would alert both authorities and victims if a defendant violates distance restrictions or tampers with the device. Tampering, removal, or vandalism of an electronic monitor would be prosecuted as a third-degree crime, carrying up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Victims would receive full disclosure before consenting, including information about how monitoring works, the limits of the technology, available safety planning resources, and how to withdraw from the program through a court application. If a victim terminates participation, a resentencing hearing for the offender would be required.
The legislation also establishes a “Domestic Violence Victim Notification Fund” within the General Fund, supported by a $250 monitoring fee on defendants and civil penalties assessed in domestic violence cases. Courts could waive fees in cases of financial hardship. The state appropriated $2.5 million to support the pilot, with unspent funds reverting to the General Fund after the program ends.
The Attorney General, working with the State Parole Board, Ocean County Prosecutor, Sheriff, and local victim service providers, will oversee implementation. Law enforcement must respond promptly to any reports of noncompliance, and the Attorney General is required to submit annual evaluations to the Governor and Legislature, including a cost analysis and recommendation on whether the program should expand statewide.
Committee amendments clarified sentencing conditions, expanded victim protections, and added provisions allowing the Attorney General to relocate the pilot if another county offers a more effective venue.
Assembly Bill 3731 authorizes a four-year electronic monitoring pilot program in Ocean County to enhance protection for domestic violence victims through offender tracking and real-time victim alerts.
