Bills connected to medical marijuana expansion and expungement are scheduled to go before the full assembly on Thursday.

They are A10 and A4498, versions of which passed through the senate health committee today.

And A5325, outlined below:

 

SYNOPSIS

Provides for certain criminal and civil justice reforms, particularly with respect to legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as expungement eligibility and procedures.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As introduced.

 

 

An Act concerning certain criminal and civil justice reforms, particularly with respect to the legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as expungement eligibility and procedures, and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.

 

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

1. N.J.S.2C:35-5 is amended to read as follows:

2C:35-5.  Manufacturing, Distributing or Dispensing. a.  Except as authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.), it shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or purposely:

(1)   To manufacture, distribute or dispense, or to possess or have under his control with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or

(2)   To create, distribute, or possess or have under his control with intent to distribute, a counterfeit controlled dangerous substance.

1. Any person who violates subsection a. with respect to:

(1)   Heroin, or its analog, or coca leaves and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation of coca leaves, and any salt, compound, derivative, or preparation thereof which is chemically equivalent or identical with any of these substances, or analogs, except that the substances shall not include decocainized coca leaves or extractions which do not contain cocaine or ecogine,  or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  The defendant shall, except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court.  The term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term which shall be fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

(2)   A substance referred to in paragraph (1) of this subsection, in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

(3)   A substance referred to paragraph (1) of this subsection in a quantity less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

(4)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of one ounce or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

(5)   A substance classified as a narcotic drug in Schedule I or II other than those specifically covered in this section, or the analog of any such substance, in a quantity of less than one ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

(6)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of 100 milligrams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of 10 grams or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Except as provided in N.J.S.2C:35-12, the court shall impose a term of imprisonment which shall include the imposition of a minimum term, fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed by the court, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$500,000.00] $500,000 may be imposed;

(7)   Lysergic acid diethylamide, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 100 milligrams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, or phencyclidine, or its analog, in a quantity of less than 10 grams including any adulterants or dilutants, or where the amount is undetermined, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

(8)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of five ounces or more including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the first degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

(9)   (a)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), in a quantity of one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

(b)   Methamphetamine, or its analog, or phenyl-2-propanone  (P2P), in a quantity of less than one-half ounce including any adulterants or dilutants is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$75,000.00] $75,000 may be imposed;

(10)    (a)     Marijuana in a quantity of 25 pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, or 50 or more marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of five pounds or more including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the first degree.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$300,000.00] $300,000 may be imposed;

(b)   Marijuana in a quantity of five pounds or more but less than 25 pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or 10 or more but fewer than 50 marijuana plants, regardless of weight, or hashish in a quantity of one pound or more but less than five pounds, including any adulterants and dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the second degree;

(11) Marijuana in a quantity of one [ounce] pound or more but less than five pounds including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of [five grams] one-half pound or more but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed;

(12)  (a) Marijuana in a quantity of two ounces or more but less than one pound including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of five grams or more but less than one-half pound including any adulterants or dilutants, is guilty of a disorderly persons offense for a first offense, and guilty of a crime of the fourth degree for a second or subsequent offense;

(b) Marijuana in a quantity of less than [one ounce] two ounces including any adulterants or dilutants, or hashish in a quantity of less than five grams including any adulterants or dilutants, is [guilty of a crime of the fourth degree] an unlawful act subject to a civil penalty of $50.  The civil penalty provided for in this subparagraph shall be collected pursuant to the “Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999,” P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction.  A penalty recovered under the provisions of this paragraph shall be recovered by and in the name of the State by the local municipality.  The penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality;

(13)  Any other controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the third degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed; or

(14)  Any Schedule V substance, or its analog, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$25,000.00] $25,000 may be imposed.

1. Where the degree of the offense for violation of this section depends on the quantity of the substance, the quantity involved shall be determined by the trier of fact.  Where the indictment or accusation so provides, the quantity involved in individual acts of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possessing with intent to distribute may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense, whether distribution or dispensing is to the same person or several persons, provided that each individual act of manufacturing, distribution, dispensing or possession with intent to distribute was committed within the applicable statute of limitations.

(cf: P.L.2000, c.136, s.1)

 

2. N.J.S.2C:35-10 is amended to read as follows:

2C:35-10.  Possession, Use or Being Under the Influence, or Failure to Make Lawful Disposition.

1. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.).  Any person who violates this section with respect to:

(1)   A controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule I, II, III or IV other than those specifically covered in this section, is guilty of a crime of the third degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$35,000.00] $35,000 may be imposed;

(2)   Any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, classified in Schedule V, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to [$15,000.00] $15,000 may be imposed;

(3)   Possession of more than [50 grams] two ounces of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or more than five grams of hashish is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $25,000.00 may be imposed; or

(4)   Possession of [50 grams] two ounces or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, or five grams or less of hashish is an unlawful act subject to a [disorderly person]civil penalty of $50, but this amount of marijuana or hashish is presumed to be the lawful possession of medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product in accordance with the “Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act,” P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.) or P.L.2015, c.158 (C.18A:40-12.22 et al.), and the State shall establish by a preponderance of evidence that the substance possessed was not medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product in order to impose the $50 civil penalty for possession of marijuana or hashish pursuant to this paragraph.  The civil penalty provided for in this paragraph shall be collected pursuant to the “Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999,” P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction.  A penalty recovered under the provisions of this paragraph shall be recovered by and in the name of the State by the local municipality.  The penalty shall be paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality.   

Any person who commits any offense [defined in] set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this [section] subsection while on any property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board, or within 1,000 feet of any such school property or a school bus, or while on any school bus, and who is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall, in addition to any other sentence which the court may impose, be required to perform not less than 100 hours of community service.

1. Any person who uses or who is under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, or its analog, for a purpose other than the treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered by a physician is a disorderly person.

In a prosecution under this subsection, it shall not be necessary for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of any specific drug, but it shall be sufficient for a conviction under this subsection for the State to prove that the accused did use or was under the influence of some controlled dangerous substance, counterfeit controlled dangerous substance, or controlled substance analog, by proving that the accused did manifest physical and physiological symptoms or reactions caused by the use of any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.

1. Any person who knowingly obtains or possesses a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog in violation of subsection a. of this section and who fails to voluntarily deliver the substance to the nearest law enforcement officer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a prosecution or conviction for any other offense defined in this title or any other statute.

(cf: P.L.1997, c.181, s.6)

 

3. (New section) a.  Except to the extent required to dismiss, withdraw, or terminate the charge, no court shall have jurisdiction over any charge, including any charge of delinquency, based on the distribution of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or the possession of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), unless a final judgment of conviction or adjudication of delinquency has been entered on or before that effective date.  These non-prosecutable charges and cases shall be expeditiously dismissed, which may be accomplished by appropriate action by a law enforcement agency, or on a motion to the court which would otherwise have jurisdiction over a case, or the court’s own motion, based upon guidelines or directives issued by the Attorney General and the Administrative Director of the Courts.
4. A charge, including any charge of delinquency, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, based on a violation of any of the following laws that occurred prior to, on, or after theeffective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), shall not be considered whenever the Pretrial Services Program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts pursuant to section 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-25) conducts a risk assessment on an eligible defendant for the purpose of making recommendations to the court concerning an appropriate pretrial release decision in accordance with sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.): a violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5; or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section; or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building; or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10; or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish.
5. (1) Regarding a conviction or adjudication of delinquency entered prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.       ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), it shall be grounds for post-conviction relief that the conviction or adjudication of delinquency involved unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with thatmarijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2, alone or in combination with each other, if a final judgment of conviction or adjudication of delinquency had not been entered on or before that effective date.

(2)   Notwithstanding any court rule limiting the time period within which a motion to reduce or change a sentence may be filed, any person who, on the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), is serving a sentence of incarceration, probation, parole or other form of community supervision solely as a result of the person’s conviction or adjudication of delinquency for one or more crimes or offenses enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection may move to have the person’s sentence reviewed by the court.  If the court finds that the sentence under review is based solely upon a conviction or adjudication of delinquency for one or more crimes or offenses enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the court shall order appropriate relief.

(3)   No fee shall be charged to a person seeking post-conviction relief pursuant to this subsection.

 

4.     (New section)  Other than the consequences of any sentence set forth in a judgment of conviction, including a term of imprisonment and any court-ordered financial assessment, unless otherwise provided by law, any arrest, charge, conviction, and adjudication of delinquency that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), and any proceedings related thereto, for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described herein and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with thatmarijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 shall be deemed not to have occurred, and the person involved in that violation may answer any questions relating to their occurrence accordingly, except that such information shall be revealed by that person if seeking employment within the judicial branch or with a law enforcement or corrections agency and such information shall continue to provide a disability as otherwise provided by law.

 

5.  (New section) a. (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of N.J.S.2C:52-2 and N.J.S.2C:52-3 or any other provision of law to the contrary, beginning on the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the following persons may file a petition for an expedited expungement with the Superior Court at any time:

(a)   any person who, prior to the effective date of P.L.   , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), was charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute, unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a violation of that paragraph and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building; or

(b)   any person who, prior to the effective date of P.L.   , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), was charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute, obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10; or

(c)   any person who, prior to the effective date of P.L.   , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), was charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute, a violation involving marijuana or hashish as described in subparagraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2.

(2)   Notwithstanding the requirements of N.J.S.2C:52-2 and N.J.S.2C:52-3 or any other provision of law to the contrary, beginning on the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), a person who, on or after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), is charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute, any offenses enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection, may file a petition for an expedited expungement with the Superior Court after the expiration of 18 months from the date of the most recent conviction, payment of fine, restitution, or other court-ordered financial assessment, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later.

(a)   Notwithstanding the provisions concerning the 18-month time requirement set forth in this paragraph, if a court-ordered financial assessment which is currently subject to collection is not yet satisfied due to reasons other than willful noncompliance, but the time requirement is otherwise satisfied, the person may submit the expungement application and the court shall grant an expungement in accordance with this section, provided, however, that at the time the expungement is granted the court shall enter a civil judgment for the unpaid portion of the court-ordered financial assessment and provide for its continued collection.

(b)   Additionally, an application may be filed and presented, and an expungement granted pursuant to this section, although less than 18 months have expired in accordance with the time requirement set forth in this paragraph when the court finds that the court-ordered financial assessment is satisfied but less than 18-months have expired from the date of satisfaction, and the time requirement of 18 months is otherwise satisfied, and the court finds that the person substantially complied with any payment plan ordered pursuant to N.J.S.2C:46-1 et seq., or could not do so due to compelling circumstances affecting the person’s ability to satisfy the financial assessment.

(3)   Notwithstanding the requirements of N.J.S.2C:52-2 and N.J.S.2C:52-3 or any other provision of law to the contrary, beginning on the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), a person who, prior, on, or after the effective date of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), is charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of offenses which if committed by an adult would constitute unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, may file a petition for an expedited expungement with the Superior Court after the expiration of three years from the date of the most recent conviction, payment of fine, restitution, or other court-ordered financial assessment, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later.

(a)   Notwithstanding the provisions concerning the three-year time requirement set forth in this paragraph, if a court-ordered financial assessment which is currently subject to collection is not yet satisfied due to reasons other than willful noncompliance, but the time requirement is otherwise satisfied, the person may submit the expungement application and the court shall grant an expungement in accordance with this section, provided, however, that at the time the expungement is granted the court shall enter a civil judgment for the unpaid portion of the court-ordered financial assessment and provide for its continued collection.

(b)   Additionally, an application may be filed and presented, and an expungement granted pursuant to this section, although less than three years have expired in accordance with the time requirement set forth in this paragraph when the court finds that the court-ordered financial assessment is satisfied but less than three years have expired from the date of satisfaction, and the time requirement of three years is otherwise satisfied, and the court finds that the person substantially complied with any payment plan ordered pursuant to N.J.S.2C:46-1 et seq., or could not do so due to compelling circumstances affecting the person’s ability to satisfy the financial assessment.

1.     (1)  The provisions of N.J.S.2C:52-7 through N.J.S.2C:52-14 shall not apply to an expedited expungement as described in this section.

(2)   Upon review of the petition, the court shall immediately grant an expedited expungement for each charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency pursuant to this section.  The court shall provide copies of the expungement order to the person who is the subject of the petition.

(3)   A court order vacating an expedited expungement that is granted to a person pursuant to this section may be issued upon an action filed by a county prosecutor with the court that granted the expungement, if filed no later than 30 days after the expungement order was issued, with notice to the person, and a hearing is scheduled at which the county prosecutor shows proof that the expedited expungement was granted in error due to a statutory disqualification to expungement that existed at the time the relief was initially granted.

1. Any public employee, or public agency that provides information or records pursuant to this section shall be immune from criminal and civil liability as a result of an act of commission or omission by that person or entity arising out of and in the course of participation in, or assistance with, in good faith, an expedited expungement.  The immunity shall be in addition to and not in limitation of any other immunity provided by law.
2. N.J.S.2C:52-30 is amended to read as follows:

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter,

200.      any person who reveals to another the existence of an arrest, conviction or related legal proceeding with knowledge that the records and information pertaining thereto have been expunged or sealed is a disorderly person.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2C:43-3, the maximum fine which can be imposed for violation of this section is [$200.00] $2000.
201.     any person or entity regularly engaged in the business of collecting, assembling, evaluating or disseminating criminal records on individuals for a fee must regularly update the records to ensure accuracy, promptly delete a record that has been expunged, provide clients with the date collected and explain to clients that records are valid only as of the date collected.
202.      any person or entity regularly engaged in the business of collecting, assembling, evaluating or disseminating criminal records on individuals for a fee, which disseminates a criminal record that has been expunged and knows or should have known at the time of dissemination that the record has been expunged is liable to the individual who is the subject of the criminal record for damages totaling $5,000 or the actual damages caused by the violation, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney fees.

(cf: P.L.1979, c.178, s.137)

 

7. (New section)  a.  The Administrative Director of the Courts shall maintain and provide information to any person upon request about the expungement process and legal services programs Statewide and in each county which may be available to assist the person with an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) or a “clean slate” expungement pursuant to section 6 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498).

 

8. (New section) a. (1) The Administrative Director of the Courts shall develop and maintain a multilingual public awareness campaign to promote awareness of the expungement process, including an expedited expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) or a “clean slate” expungement pursuant to section 6 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498), and the expungement e-filing system established pursuant to section 9 of P.L.    , c.     (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), as well as information on State, local, non-profit and other private job training programs in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with a focus on assisting those persons eligible for the expedited expungement or “clean slate” expungement of their records pursuant to section 5 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) or section 6 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498), respectively.

(2)   The public awareness campaign shall, at a minimum, utilize electronic and print media, and shall make available electronically on an Internet website a petition form and a list of the supporting information necessary for an expungement, including an expedited or “clean slate” expungement pursuant to section 5 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) or section 6 of P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498), respectively, using the expungement e-filing system once established pursuant to section 9 of P.L.    , c.     (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

(3)   The petition and supporting information shall, at a minimum, be made available in English and Spanish.

1.     The Administrative Director of the Courts shall include in the annual report on the activities of the Administrative Office of the Courts, prepared pursuant to N.J.S.2A:12-5, information about the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign developed and maintained pursuant to subsection a. of this section, beginning no later than one year after the effective date of P.L.    , c.     (C.          ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

 

9.     (New section)  a.  No later than six months after the effective date of P.L.    , c.      (C.         ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the Administrative Office of the Courts shall develop and maintain a system for petitioners to electronically file expungement petitions pursuant to N.J.S.2C:52-1 et seq.  The e-filing system shall be available Statewide and include electronic filing, electronic service of process, and electronic document management.

(1)   The court shall electronically compile and transmit a listing of all possibly relevant Judiciary records to an expungement petitioner and the appropriate criminal justice parties subject to notice of the petition in accordance with N.J.S.2C:52-10 for review and confirmation against the criminal history record background information maintained by the Division of State Police.

(2)   The court shall provide copies of an expungement order to the person who is the subject of the petition and electronically transmit the order to the previously noticed parties, or parties otherwise entitled to notice, in accordance with N.J.S.2C:52-15.

1. Beginning no later than one year after the implementation of the e-filing system established pursuant to this section, the Administrative Director of the Courts shall include in the annual report on the activities of the Administrative Office of the Courts, prepared pursuant to N.J.S.2A:12-5, information on the operation, maintenance, and administration of the e-filing system, and may include any recommendations as to legislative changes or improvements to effectuate the purposes of the e-filing system and other aspects of the expungement process.  The report shall assist policymakers in determining whether the e-filing system should be modified or expanded. The report shall include statistics regarding the number of applicants; the number of expungements processed; the number of expungement orders issued; and any other relevant information at the discretion of the Administrative Director of the Courts.

 

10. (New section) a. An employer shall not be permitted to consider when making an employment decision, require any applicant to disclose or reveal, or take any adverse action against any applicant for employment on the basis of, any arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime or offense which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes or offenses, regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency occurred, unless the employment sought or being considered is for a position in law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, homeland security, or emergency management.
11.  Any employer who commits an act in violation of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for the first violation, $5,000 for the second violation, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation, which shall be collectible by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development in a summary proceeding pursuant to the “Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999,” P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).  The penalties set forth in this subsection shall be the sole remedy provided for violations of this section.
12. Nothing set forth in this section shall be construed as creating or establishing a standard of care or duty for employers with respect to any other law.  Evidence that an employer has violated, or is alleged to have violated, the provisions of this section, shall not be admissible in any legal proceeding with respect to any law or claim other than a proceeding to enforce the provisions of this section.  Nothing set forth in this section shall be construed as creating, establishing, or authorizing a private cause of action by an aggrieved person against an employer who has violated, or is alleged to have violated, the provisions of this section.

 

11.   (New section)  a.  A person that makes a mortgage loan in this State shall not discriminate against an applicant in accepting an application, granting, withholding, extending, modifying or renewing, or in the fixing of the rates, terms, conditions, or provisions of any mortgage loan based on an applicant’s arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime or offense which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes or offenses, regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency occurred.
12. Any applicant who has been discriminated against as a result of a violation of this section may bring an action in New Jersey in a court of competent jurisdiction.  Upon finding that a person is in violation of this section, the court may award actual damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and court costs.
13. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance shall have the power to:

(1) Make such investigations into any matter pertaining to this section, including the power to hold hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence.  In case of a failure of any person to comply with any subpoena, the Superior Court may issue an order requiring the attendance of such person and the giving of testimony or production of evidence.  Any person failing to obey the court’s order may be punished for contempt.

(2) Order a person found to be in violation of this section to cease its unlawful practices, subject to review, hearing, and relief in the Superior Court.  A person that continues to violate the provisions of this act after having been ordered by the commissioner to cease such practices shall be liable to a penalty of $10,000 for each offense instead of the penalty for a continuous violation set forth in section 10 of P.L.1977, c.1 (C.17:16F-10).  This penalty may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to the “Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999,” P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.).  Except as set forth herein, the penalty provided by this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other provision of law applicable upon a person’s failure to comply with an order of the commissioner.

 

12.   (New section)  a.  A person alleging discrimination in public or private housing, real property, or a place of public accommodation, based on a prior arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish, or an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency under the laws of another state or of the United States of a crime or offense which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of the aforementioned crimes or offenses, regardless of when any such arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency occurred, may institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief.  All remedies available in common law tort actions shall be available to a prevailing plaintiff. The court may also order any or all of the following relief:

(1) an assessment of a civil fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 for the first violation of any of the provisions of this section, and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation;

(2) an injunction to restrain the continued violation of subsection a. of this section;

(3) if the discrimination impacted the person’s employment, and if applicable:

(a) reinstatement of the person to the same position of employment or to a position equivalent to that which the person held prior to unlawful discharge or retaliatory action;

(b) reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; and

(c) compensation for any lost wages, benefits and other remuneration; and

(4) payment of reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.

1. An action brought under this section shall be commenced within one year of the date of the alleged violation.
2. The private cause of action provided for in this section shall be the sole remedy for a violation of this section.

 

13.   R.S.19:4-1 is amended to read as follows:

19:4-1.  [Except as provided in R.S.19:4-2 and R.S.19:4-3, every] Every person possessing the qualifications required by Article II, paragraph 3, of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and having none of the disqualifications hereinafter stated and being duly registered as required by Title 19, shall have the right of suffrage and shall be entitled to vote in the polling place assigned to the election district in which he actually resides, and not elsewhere.

No person shall have the right of suffrage–

(1)  Who has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting; or

(2)  (Deleted by amendment.)

(3)  (Deleted by amendment.)

(4)  (Deleted by amendment.)

(5)  (Deleted by amendment.)

(6)  Who has been convicted of a violation of any of the provisions of this Title, for which criminal penalties were imposed, if such person was deprived of such right as part of the punishment therefor according to law unless pardoned or restored by law to the right of suffrage; or

(7)  Who shall be convicted of the violation of any of the provisions of this Title, for which criminal penalties are imposed, if such person shall be deprived of such right as part of the punishment therefor according to law, unless pardoned or restored by law to the right of suffrage; or

(8)  Who is serving a sentence or is on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States , other than a person who is on parole or probation as the result of a conviction for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining or possessing marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of another state or of the United States which, if committed in this State, would be a violation of any of those paragraphs.

A person who will have on the day of the next general election the qualifications to entitle him to vote shall have the right to be registered for and vote at such general election and register for and vote at any election, intervening between such date of registration and such general election, if he shall be a citizen of the United States and shall meet the age and residence requirements prescribed by the Constitution of this State and the laws of the United States, when such intervening election is held, as though such qualifications were met before registration.

(cf: P.L.2010, c.50, s.17)

 

14.   Section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1) is amended to read as follows:
15.    As used in P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:

“Biotechnology” means any technique that uses living organisms, or parts of living organisms, to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop micro-organisms for specific uses; including the industrial use of recombinant DNA, cell fusion, and novel bioprocessing techniques.

“Custodian of a government record” or “custodian” means in the case of a municipality, the municipal clerk and in the case of any other public agency, the officer officially designated by formal action of that agency’s director or governing body, as the case may be.

“Government record” or “record” means any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file in the course of his or its official business by any officer, commission, agency or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof, or that has been received in the course of his or its official business by any such officer, commission, agency, or authority of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, including subordinate boards thereof.  The terms shall not include inter-agency or intra-agency advisory, consultative, or deliberative material.

A government record shall not include the following information which is deemed to be confidential for the purposes of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) as amended and supplemented:

information received by a member of the Legislature from a constituent or information held by a member of the Legislature concerning a constituent, including but not limited to information in written form or contained in any e-mail or computer data base, or in any telephone record whatsoever, unless it is information the constituent is required by law to transmit;

any memorandum, correspondence, notes, report or other communication prepared by, or for, the specific use of a member of the Legislature in the course of the member’s official duties, except that this provision shall not apply to an otherwise publicly-accessible report which is required by law to be submitted to the Legislature or its members;

any copy, reproduction or facsimile of any photograph, negative or print, including instant photographs and videotapes of the body, or any portion of the body, of a deceased person, taken by or for the medical examiner at the scene of death or in the course of a post mortem examination or autopsy made by or caused to be made by the medical examiner except:

when used in a criminal action or proceeding in this State which relates to the death of that person,

for the use as a court of this State permits, by order after good cause has been shown and after written notification of the request for the court order has been served at least five days before the order is made upon the county prosecutor for the county in which the post mortem examination or autopsy occurred,

for use in the field of forensic pathology or for use in medical or scientific education or research, or

for use by any law enforcement agency in this State or any other state or federal law enforcement agency;

criminal investigatory records;

the portion of any criminal record concerning a person’s detection, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition for unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a lesser amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (12) of subsection b. of that section, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1) for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building, or for obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., or subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10, or for a violation of any of those provisions and a violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2 for using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with the marijuana or hashish;

victims’ records, except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim’s own records;

any written request by a crime victim for a record to which the victim is entitled to access as provided in this section, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency report, domestic violence offense report, and temporary or permanent restraining order;

personal firearms records, except for use by any person authorized by law to have access to these records or for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, for purposes of the administration of justice;

personal identifying information received by the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection in connection with the issuance of any license authorizing hunting with a firearm.  For the purposes of this paragraph, personal identifying information shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, telephone number, fax number, driver’s license number, email address, or social media address of any applicant or licensee;

trade secrets and proprietary commercial or financial information obtained from any source.  For the purposes of this paragraph, trade secrets shall include data processing software obtained by a public body under a licensing agreement which prohibits its disclosure;

any record within the attorney-client privilege.  This paragraph shall not be construed as exempting from access attorney or consultant bills or invoices except that such bills or invoices may be redacted to remove any information protected by the attorney-client privilege;

administrative or technical information regarding computer hardware, software and networks which, if disclosed, would jeopardize computer security;

emergency or security information or procedures for any buildings or facility which, if disclosed, would jeopardize security of the building or facility or persons therein;

security measures and surveillance techniques which, if disclosed, would create a risk to the safety of persons, property, electronic data or software;

information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders;

information generated by or on behalf of public employers or public employees in connection with any sexual harassment complaint filed with a public employer or with any grievance filed by or against an individual or in connection with collective negotiations, including documents and statements of strategy or negotiating position;

information which is a communication between a public agency and its insurance carrier, administrative service organization or risk management office;

information which is to be kept confidential pursuant to court order;

any copy of form DD-214, or that form, issued by the United States Government, or any other certificate of honorable discharge, or copy thereof, from active service or the reserves of a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, or from service in the organized militia of the State, that has been filed by an individual with a public agency, except that a veteran or the veteran’s spouse or surviving spouse shall have access to the veteran’s own records;

any copy of an oath of allegiance, oath of office or any affirmation taken upon assuming the duties of any public office, or that oath or affirmation, taken by a current or former officer or employee in any public office or position in this State or in any county or municipality of this State, including members of the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Judicial Branch, and all law enforcement entities, except that the full name, title, and oath date of that person contained therein shall not be deemed confidential;

that portion of any document which discloses the social security number, credit card number, unlisted telephone number or driver license number of any person; except for use by any government agency, including any court or law enforcement agency, in carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf thereof, or any private person or entity seeking to enforce payment of court-ordered child support; except with respect to the disclosure of driver information by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission as permitted by section 2 of P.L.1997, c.188 (C.39:2-3.4); and except that a social security number contained in a record required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file by a public agency shall be disclosed when access to the document or disclosure of that information is not otherwise prohibited by State or federal law, regulation or order or by State statute, resolution of either or both houses of the Legislature, Executive Order of the Governor, rule of court or regulation promulgated under the authority of any statute or executive order of the Governor;

A list of persons identifying themselves as being in need of special assistance in the event of an emergency maintained by a municipality for public safety purposes pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2017, c.266 (C.40:48-2.67); and

A list of persons identifying themselves as being in need of special assistance in the event of an emergency maintained by a county for public safety purposes pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2011, c.178 (C.App.A:9-43.13).

A government record shall not include, with regard to any public institution of higher education, the following information which is deemed to be privileged and confidential:

pedagogical, scholarly and/or academic research records and/or the specific details of any research project conducted under the auspices of a public higher education institution in New Jersey, including, but not limited to research, development information, testing procedures, or information regarding test participants, related to the development or testing of any pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical delivery system, except that a custodian may not deny inspection of a government record or part thereof that gives the name, title, expenditures, source and amounts of funding and date when the final project summary of any research will be available;

test questions, scoring keys and other examination data pertaining to the administration of an examination for employment or academic examination;

records of pursuit of charitable contributions or records containing the identity of a donor of a gift if the donor requires non-disclosure of the donor’s identity as a condition of making the gift provided that the donor has not received any benefits of or from the institution of higher education in connection with such gift other than a request for memorialization or dedication;

valuable or rare collections of books and/or documents obtained by gift, grant, bequest or devise conditioned upon limited public access;

information contained on individual admission applications; and

information concerning student records or grievance or disciplinary proceedings against a student to the extent disclosure would reveal the identity of the student.

“Personal firearms record” means any information contained in a background investigation conducted by the chief of police, the county prosecutor, or the Superintendent of State Police, of any applicant for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any application for a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; any document reflecting the issuance or denial of a permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or firearms registration; and any permit to purchase a handgun, firearms identification card license, or any firearms license, certification, certificate, form of register, or registration statement.  For the purposes of this paragraph, information contained in a background investigation shall include, but not be limited to, identity, name, address, social security number, phone number, fax number, driver’s license number, email address, social media address of any applicant, licensee, registrant or permit holder.

“Public agency” or “agency” means any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of State Government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by such department; the Legislature of the State and any office, board, bureau or commission within or created by the Legislative Branch; and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency.  The terms also mean any political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission or other instrumentality within or created by a political subdivision of the State or combination of political subdivisions, and any independent authority, commission, instrumentality or agency created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions.

“Law enforcement agency” means a public agency, or part thereof, determined by the Attorney General to have law enforcement responsibilities.

“Constituent” means any State resident or other person communicating with a member of the Legislature.

“Member of the Legislature” means any person elected or selected to serve in the New Jersey Senate or General Assembly.

“Criminal investigatory record” means a record which is not required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file that is held by a law enforcement agency which pertains to any criminal investigation or related civil enforcement proceeding.

“Victim’s record” means an individually-identifiable file or document held by a victims’ rights agency which pertains directly to a victim of a crime except that a victim of a crime shall have access to the victim’s own records.

“Victim of a crime” means a person who has suffered personal or psychological injury or death or incurs loss of or injury to personal or real property as a result of a crime, or if such a person is deceased or incapacitated, a member of that person’s immediate family.

“Victims’ rights agency” means a public agency, or part thereof, the primary responsibility of which is providing services, including but not limited to food, shelter, or clothing, medical, psychiatric, psychological or legal services or referrals, information and referral services, counseling and support services, or financial services to victims of crimes, including victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crime, child endangerment, child abuse or child neglect, and the Victims of Crime Compensation Board, established pursuant to P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.) and continued as the Victims of Crime Compensation Office pursuant to P.L.2007, c.95 (C.52:4B-3.2 et al.) and Reorganization Plan No. 001-2008.

(cf: P.L.2017, c.266, s.4)

 

15. This act shall take effect on the 90th day following enactment, or the same day that P.L.    , c.   (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498) takes effect, whichever date occurs first; provided, that the Attorney General and Administrative Director of the Courts may take any anticipatory action as may be necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

This bill would provide for various “social justice” reforms, some based on criminal justice and others based on civil justice, which would reduce the legal consequences associated with certain marijuana and hashish offenses as well as affect expungement eligibility and filing procedures, concerning both marijuana and hashish offenses and more generally.

Regrading Marijuana and Hashish Offenses

The bill would regrade the unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, less than five pounds of marijuana or less than one pound of hashish.

Under current law, distribution of less than five pounds, but at least one ounce or more, of marijuana, or distribution of less than one pound, but at least five grams or more, of hashish, is punishable as a crime of the third degree; this crime can be punished by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.  Distribution of any smaller amounts, that is, less than one ounce of marijuana or less than five grams of hashish, is punishable as a crime of the fourth degree; this crime can be punished by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.  See N.J.S.2C:35-10, subsection b., paragraphs (11) and (12).

The bill would regrade the unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, less than five pounds of marijuana or less than one pound of hashish as follows, based on the amount distributed or intended for distribution:

– one pound or more but less than five pounds of marijuana, or one-half pound or more but less than one pound of hashish would be a crime of the third degree (three to five years imprisonment; up to $25,000 fine; or both);

– two ounces or more but less than one pound of marijuana, or five grams or more but less than one-half pound of hashish would be a disorderly persons offense based on a first offense (up to six months imprisonment; up to $1,000 fine; or both), and would be a crime of the fourth degree for a second or subsequent offense (up to 18 months imprisonment; up to $10,000 fine; or both); and

– less than two ounces of marijuana, or less than five grams of hashish would be an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty of $50. This penalty would be recovered in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction, and would get paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality.

The bill would also regrade the possession of small amounts of marijuana or hashish.  First, the maximum amount constituting a small amount marijuana possession violation under paragraph (4) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:35-10 would increase from 50 grams (1.76 ounce) to two ounces (the amount constituting a small amount hashish possession violation under this paragraph would remain the same, at five grams or less).  Second, possession of this amount of marijuana or hashish would be reduced from a fourth degree crime or disorderly persons offense, depending upon the amount possessed in accordance with the pre-reform possession categories, to an unlawful act subject only to a civil penalty of $50; and the bill would establish a legal presumption that the possession of such amount of marijuana or hashish is the authorized possession of medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product in accordance with the “Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act,” P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.), based on the title and provisions of that act being revised by a proposed Assembly Committee Substitute combining Assembly Bill No. 10 and the previous Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill Nos. 3740 and 3437 that is under consideration in the Assembly, or the authorized possession of such amount in accordance with P.L.2015, c.158 (C.18A:40-12.22 et al.).  If the presumption can be overcome, by a preponderance of evidence, that a substance possessed was illegal marijuana or hashish, the $50 civil penalty may be imposed.  The civil penalty would be recovered in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction, and would get paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general use of the municipality.

Reducing the Legal Consequences of Certain Marijuana and Hashish Offenses

No court would have jurisdiction over any charge, including any charge of delinquency, except to the extent required to dismiss, withdraw, or terminate the charge, based on a prior small amount distribution or possession violation that would now only be punishable by a civil penalty, unless a final judgment of conviction or adjudication of delinquency had been entered on or before the bill’s effective date.  These non-prosecutable charges and cases would be expeditiously dismissed, which could be accomplished by appropriate action by a law enforcement agency, or on a motion to the court with jurisdiction over a case, or the court’s own motion, based upon guidelines or directives issued by the Attorney General and the Administrative Director of the Courts.

Any past, present, or future charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency for an even broader array of marijuana and hashish offenses would not be considered whenever the Pretrial Services Program established by the Administrative Office of the Courts conducted a risk assessment on a person for the purpose of making recommendations to a court about an appropriate pretrial release or pretrial detention decision for that individual in accordance with sections 1 through 11 of P.L.2014, c.31 (C.2A:162-15 et seq.).  These non-considered offenses would include:

– unlawful distribution of, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, less than five pounds of marijuana, or less than one pound of hashish, in violation of paragraph (11) or (12) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, or a violation of either of those paragraphs and a violation of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1987, c.101 (C.2C:35-7) or subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.327 (C.2C:35-7.1), for distributing, or possessing or having under control with intent to distribute, on or within 1,000 feet of any school property, or on or within 500 feet of the real property comprising a public housing facility, public park, or public building;

– obtaining, possessing, using, being under the influence of, or failing to make lawful disposition of any amount of marijuana or hashish in violation of paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection a., subsection b., or subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:35-10;  or

–  a violation involving any of the aforementioned offenses and using or possessing with intent to use drug paraphernalia with that marijuana or hashish in violation of N.J.S.2C:36-2.

The bill would also establish grounds for post-conviction relief due to a past conviction or adjudication of delinquency for any of the above described marijuana or hashish offenses, which would permit an opportunity to have a sentence reduced or changed as permitted by the court.

New Forms of Expungement: “Virtual” and Expedited Expungements

Beginning immediately upon the enactment of the bill, any arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency, and proceedings related thereto, for any of the above described marijuana or hashish offenses that occurred prior to the bill’s effective date would be deemed not to have occurred (other than, generally, with respect to the consequences of any sentence set forth in a judgment of conviction), providing such legal relief without need to petition a court for an expungement order granting such result.  While persons would be able to respond to questions about such past occurrences accordingly, information about such would still need to be revealed if seeking employment within the judicial branch or with a law enforcement or corrections agency, and the record would be subject to review in accordance with N.J.S.2C:52-15 et seq.

Also beginning on the bill’s effective date, an expedited expungement process would be available as an additional means of clearing a person’s record with respect to those same past marijuana or hashish offenses.  For any person, who prior to the effective date of the bill, was charged with, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of such marijuana or hashish crimes or offenses, other than a larger amount distribution crime in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, there would be no waiting period before applications could be filed.  For any person, who on or after the effective date, was charged, convicted, or adjudicated delinquent for any number of such marijuana or hashish crimes or offenses, other than a larger amount distribution crime, there would be an 18-month waiting period measured from the date of the most recent conviction, payment of any court-ordered financial assessment, satisfactory completion of probation or parole, or release from incarceration, whichever is later; however, a person could still apply for an expedited expungement, even though at the time of application the financial assessments were not completely paid off, so long as that person had otherwise satisfied the 18-month waiting period.

Concerning a larger amount distribution crime in violation of paragraph (11) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:35-5, a person, regardless of when charged, convicted, or adjudicated delinquent, would only be permitted to apply for an expungement after a period of three years, although with the ability to file even if all court-ordered financial assessments were not completely paid off at the time of filing.

Reforms Applicable to All Expungements

 

Penalties for Wrongful Dissemination of Expunged Records or Information

The bill would increase the maximum fine, from $200 to $2,000, which could be imposed on a person who reveals to another the existence of an arrest, conviction, or related legal proceeding with knowledge that the record or information has been expunged or sealed.  A person could also be subject to a term of imprisonment of up to six month because such an act is categorized as a disorderly persons offense.  See N.J.S.2C:52-30.

In addition, the bill provides that any person or entity regularly engaged in the business of collecting, assembling, evaluating or disseminating records on individuals for a fee is required to regularly update their records to ensure accuracy, promptly delete a record that has been expunged, provide clients with the date collected and explain to clients that records are valid only as of the date collected.  Any such regularly-engaged person or entity who disseminates a record that has been expunged and knows or should have known at the time of dissemination that the record has been expunged is liable to the individual who is the subject of the record for a damages totaling $5,000 or the actual damages caused by the violation, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney fees.

 

E-filing System and Promoting the Expungement Process

To assist with expungement applications, the Administrative Office of the Courts would develop an expungement e-filing system, to be used in the future for all expungement filings, and upon implementation would additionally provide for electronic service of process and document management.  Electronic distribution of notices for expungement relief and copies of expungement orders to appropriate law enforcement and criminal justice agencies would also be done by the courts.

The office’s head, the Administrative Director of the Courts, would develop a multilingual public awareness campaign to promote awareness of the expungement process, as well as information on State, local, nonprofit and other private job training programs in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with a focus on assisting those persons eligible for an “expedited” expungement or “clean slate” expungement, based on a new form of expungement proposed in the Second Reprint to Assembly Bill No. 4498 under consideration in the Assembly, which could generally clear a person’s entire record after a 10-year waiting period.

Civil Justice Reforms

In addition to the above described criminal justice relief largely focused on marijuana and hashish offenses and expungement eligibility and procedures, the bill would provide an array of civil protections against discrimination targeting persons with an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication of delinquency involving any of the aforementioned marijuana and hashish distribution, possession, and drug paraphernalia crimes or offenses (see list under statement heading Reducing the Legal Consequences of Certain Marijuana and Hashish Offenses).  These protections would include monetary penalties, enforceable by the State, against employers regarding employment actions or persons involved with mortgage lending activities, as well as a private cause of action for discrimination in public or private housing, real property, or any place of public accommodation.

Further, regarding any of the aforementioned marijuana or hashish crimes or offenses, the bill would permit persons currently subject to probation or parole as a result of a criminal conviction to remain eligible to vote.  Lastly, the bill would make confidential, and no longer a government record subject to public inspection under P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), the portion of any criminal record concerning a person’s detection, apprehension, arrest, detention, trial or disposition for any such crime or offense.