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New Jersey Assembly Bill A1393
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
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New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1393

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters.

Notes

The bill's approval and subsequent implementation will play a pivotal role in shaping juvenile legal proceedings, potentially providing better outcomes for youth facing incarceration, and reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting the legal rights of young offenders.

Impact

The bill is positioned as a crucial step in addressing the increasing demands placed on the public defender system by juvenile defendants. As youth custodial sentences have surged — with statistics noting a significant rise from 277 to 339 youth in custody between 2022 and April 2024 — the funding aims to alleviate the existing pressure on the legal representation system for indigent youth. Moreover, the OPD anticipates a 25-30% increase in juvenile defense caseloads through the next fiscal year, necessitating this funding to ensure adequate legal support.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1393 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $750,000 for the fiscal year 2024, aimed at enhancing the legal resources available for juvenile matters. Specifically, this funding is allocated to the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to employ eight additional attorneys focused on juvenile post-dispositional cases. This measure is introduced in response to the growing number of juvenile cases and the rising custodial sentences in the state, especially in high-volume regions like Essex and Atlantic counties.

Contention

While the bill seeks to fortify legal representation for juveniles, there may be underlying tension regarding the allocation of state funds. Critics might argue whether additional funding is sufficient to truly address systemic issues within the juvenile justice system or if it merely addresses surface-level problems. Furthermore, there may be broader debates regarding the effectiveness of the public defender system and the allocation of resources to other areas within juvenile justice reform.

Latest NJ A1393 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2026-2027 Regular Session A1393

Companion Bills

NJ A4481

Carry Over Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters.

NJ S3793

Carry Over Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters.

NJ S2344

Same As Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.