SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2565

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 11, 2026

      The Senate Judiciary Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2565.

      This bill would permit all victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify in criminal proceedings via closed circuit television.  Under current law, section 1 of P.L.1985, c.126 (C.2A:84A-32.4), only victims and witnesses of human trafficking involving sexual activity are permitted to testify via closed circuit television.  Also under current law, the victim or witness (or, if a minor under the age of 18 years, the attorney, parent, or legal guardian representing that minor), the prosecutor, or the defendant or defense counsel may make a motion seeking closed circuit testimony.  The bill would also permit a trial judge to act on the judge’s own motion.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.