Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III
TRENTON – Legislation to require crime witness to be notified of a defendant’s release was approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The bill (A-3692) would amend certain statutory sections to require the county Office of Victim and Witness Advocacy or prosecutor, in addition to notifying the victim, to also notify any witness to the crime who has requested such notification. Under current law, only crime victims or their relatives must be notified.
“A citizen who participates in or made to participate in a criminal proceeding should be told of a violent offender’s release,” said Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes, III (D-Middlesex). “This would be a small legislative action that would extend the opportunity for more New Jerseyans to be kept informed for their safety.”
The legislation now goes to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.
