New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1978

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Provides that defendant who participated in diversion program for certain marijuana offenses on prior occasion may again participate under certain circumstances.

Impact

This bill's enactment will retroactively affect individuals who were previously barred from further participation in diversionary programs due to their earlier involvement in marijuana-related offenses that are now legal under the new regulations. It introduces significant changes to existing statutes, particularly impacting the supervisory treatment programs that are designed for rehabilitation rather than criminal sanction. Supporting advocates argue that it will facilitate a more just and equitable response to past criminal actions related to marijuana.

Summary

A1978 aims to amend existing laws regarding supervisory treatment programs for individuals who have previously participated in such programs for certain marijuana-related offenses. Specifically, it allows defendants who had previously participated in a diversionary program for a marijuana offense, which has since been decriminalized, to apply again for similar treatment options. The bill underscores a shift in legislative attitudes toward marijuana-related offenses, promoting rehabilitation rather than punishment for first-time offenders.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that allowing repeated participation in diversion programs could undermine the seriousness of the legal consequences associated with drug offenses, even those related to marijuana. However, supporters assert that the bill reflects an evolving understanding of drug policy, advocating for a more rehabilitative approach that recognizes the decriminalization of certain activities and the need to support former offenders in reintegrating into society.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1952

Provides that defendant who participated in diversion program for certain marijuana offenses on prior occasion may again participate under certain circumstances.

NJ A345

Increases penalties for assault and harassment against sports officials and participants under certain circumstances.

NJ A4084

Provides earned time credits to reduce parole eligibility date for inmates who participate in substance abuse treatment program.

NJ A2037

Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.

NJ S3339

Permits persons participating in Drug Court and other programs to earn credit against amount owed on certain court-imposed financial obligations.

NJ A1923

Prohibits providers of commercial mobile service and developers of mobile application from disclosing customer's global position system data to third parties under certain circumstances.

NJ A2090

Reduces time period during which certain prior offenses may be considered for sentencing purposes; permits first offenses to be removed from driving record in certain circumstances.

NJ SF4283

Payment denial to program participants under certain circumstances

NJ HB1296

Permit a court to require that a defendant participate in global position monitoring as a condition of release for certain offenses.

NJ A4189

Provides certain health care benefits to surviving dependents of accidental disability retiree who participated in 9/11 WTC rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; clarifies eligibility criteria for recalculation of retirement allowance for such participation.

Similar Bills

NJ A1952

Provides that defendant who participated in diversion program for certain marijuana offenses on prior occasion may again participate under certain circumstances.

NJ S1804

"Moose's Law"; prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; establishes presumption against pretrial intervention for certain persons.

NJ S473

Upgrades penalties for certain prostitution crimes; creates crimes of leader of prostitution network and participant in prostitution network.

NJ A1407

Upgrades penalties for certain prostitution crimes; creates crimes of leader of prostitution network and participant in prostitution network.

NJ S4394

Establishes Veteran's Treatment Court Program.

NJ S3339

Permits persons participating in Drug Court and other programs to earn credit against amount owed on certain court-imposed financial obligations.

NJ AR124

Urges New Jersey Supreme Court to refer to supervisory treatment program as "Recovery Court" in publications.

OR SB1096

Relating to the protection of domestic violence victims.