SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2565

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 24, 2026

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 2565.

      As amended, 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 must first make a motion seeking closed circuit testimony.

      Under the bill, in addition to a motion from the prosecutor or defendant’s counsel, the court may, in the trial judge’s discretion and without the need for a formal motion, permit a victim or witness of human trafficking to testify via closed circuit television.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments clarify that a trial judge has the discretion to permit a victim or witness of human trafficking to testify via closed circuit television without the need for a formal motion.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill is not certified as requiring a fiscal note.