Bill Text: NJ A708 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires certain offenders to register under Megan's Law; upgrades the crimes of invasion of privacy and peering into a window of a dwelling for a second or subsequent offense.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-11 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee [A708 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-A708-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2022 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF
District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
Assemblywoman DIANNE C. GOVE
District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS
Requires certain offenders to register under Megan's Law; upgrades the crimes of invasion of privacy and peering into a window of a dwelling for a second or subsequent offense.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Act concerning Megan's Law and amending P.L.1994, c.133, P.L.2003, c.206 and N.J.S.2C:18-3.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2) is amended to read as follows
2. a. (1) A person who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for commission of a sex offense as defined in subsection b. of this section shall register as provided in subsections c. and d. of this section.
(2) A person who in another jurisdiction is required to register as a sex offender and (a) is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in any public or private educational institution in this State, including any secondary school, trade or professional institution, institution of higher education or other post-secondary school, or (b) is employed or carries on a vocation in this State, on either a full-time or a part-time basis, with or without compensation, for more than 14 consecutive days or for an aggregate period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year, shall register in this State as provided in subsections c. and d. of this section.
(3) A person who fails to register as required under this act shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.
b. For the purposes of this act a sex offense shall include the following:
(1) Aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, kidnapping pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:13-1 or an attempt to commit any of these crimes if the court found that the offender's conduct was characterized by a pattern of repetitive, compulsive behavior, regardless of the date of the commission of the offense or the date of conviction;
(2) A conviction,
adjudication of delinquency, or acquittal by reason of insanity for aggravated
sexual assault; sexual assault; aggravated criminal sexual contact; kidnapping
pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:13-1; endangering the
welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch
the morals of the child pursuant to subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:24-4; invasion
of privacy pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2003, c.206 (C.2C:14-9); peering into a
window pursuant to subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:18-3; endangering the welfare
of a child pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) or subparagraph (a) of paragraph
(5) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:24-4; luring or enticing pursuant to section 1
of P.L.1993, c.291 (C.2C:13-6); criminal sexual contact
pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-3b. if the victim is a minor; kidnapping pursuant to
N.J.S.2C:13-1, criminal restraint pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-2, or false
imprisonment pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-3 if the victim is a minor and the
offender is not the parent of the victim; knowingly promoting prostitution of a
child pursuant to paragraph (3) or paragraph (4) of subsection b. of
N.J.S.2C:34-1; or an attempt to commit any of these enumerated offenses if the
conviction, adjudication of delinquency or acquittal by reason of insanity is
entered on or after the effective date of this act or the offender is serving a
sentence of incarceration, probation, parole or other form of community
supervision as a result of the offense or is confined following acquittal by
reason of insanity or as a result of civil commitment on the effective date of
this act;
(3) A conviction, adjudication of delinquency or acquittal by reason of insanity for an offense similar to any offense enumerated in paragraph (2) or a sentence on the basis of criteria similar to the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection entered or imposed under the laws of the United States, this State or another state.
c. A person required to register under the provisions of this act shall do so on forms to be provided by the designated registering agency as follows:
(1) A person who is required to register and who is under supervision in the community on probation, parole, furlough, work release, or a similar program, shall register at the time the person is placed under supervision or no later than 120 days after the effective date of this act, whichever is later, in accordance with procedures established by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services, the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) or the Administrative Office of the Courts, whichever is responsible for supervision;
(2) A person confined in a correctional or juvenile facility or involuntarily committed who is required to register shall register prior to release in accordance with procedures established by the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services or the Juvenile Justice Commission and, within 48 hours of release, shall also register with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the person resides or, if the municipality does not have a local police force, the Superintendent of State Police;
(3) A person moving to or returning to this State from another jurisdiction shall register with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the person will reside or, if the municipality does not have a local police force, the Superintendent of State Police within 120 days of the effective date of this act or 10 days of first residing in or returning to a municipality in this State, whichever is later;
(4) A person required to
register on the basis of a conviction
prior to the effective date who is not confined or under supervision on the
effective date of this act shall register within 120 days of the effective date
of this act with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which
the person will reside or, if the municipality does not have a local police
force, the Superintendent of State Police;
(5) A person who in another jurisdiction is required to register as a sex offender and who is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in any public or private educational institution in this State, including any secondary school, trade or professional institution, institution of higher education or other post-secondary school shall, within ten days of commencing attendance at such educational institution, register with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the educational institution is located or, if the municipality does not have a local police force, the Superintendent of State Police;
(6) A person who in another jurisdiction is required to register as a sex offender and who is employed or carries on a vocation in this State, on either a full-time or a part-time basis, with or without compensation, for more than 14 consecutive days or for an aggregate period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year, shall, within ten days after commencing such employment or vocation, register with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the employer is located or where the vocation is carried on, as the case may be, or, if the municipality does not have a local police force, the Superintendent of State Police;
(7) In addition to any other registration requirements set forth in this section, a person required to register under this act who is enrolled at, employed by or carries on a vocation at an institution of higher education or other post-secondary school in this State shall, within ten days after commencing such attendance, employment or vocation, register with the law enforcement unit of the educational institution, if the institution has such a unit.
d. (1) Upon a change of address, a person shall notify the law enforcement agency with which the person is registered and shall re-register with the appropriate law enforcement agency no less than 10 days before he intends to first reside at his new address. Upon a change of employment or school enrollment status, a person shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency no later than five days after any such change. A person who fails to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of a change of address or status in accordance with this subsection is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
(2) A person required to
register under this act shall provide the appropriate law enforcement agency
with information as to whether the person has routine access to or use of a
computer or any other device with Internet capability. A person who fails to
notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of such information or of a
change in the person's access to or use of a computer or other device with
Internet capability or who provides false information concerning the person's
access to or use of a computer or any other device with Internet capability is
guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
e. A person required to register under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of this section or under paragraph (3) of subsection b. due to a sentence imposed on the basis of criteria similar to the criteria set forth in paragraph (1) of subsection b. shall verify his address with the appropriate law enforcement agency every 90 days in a manner prescribed by the Attorney General. A person required to register under paragraph (2) of subsection b. of this section or under paragraph (3) of subsection b. on the basis of a conviction for an offense similar to an offense enumerated in paragraph (2) of subsection b. shall verify his address annually in a manner prescribed by the Attorney General. One year after the effective date of this act, the Attorney General shall review, evaluate and, if warranted, modify pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) the verification requirement. Any person who knowingly provides false information concerning his place of residence or who fails to verify his address with the appropriate law enforcement agency or other entity, as prescribed by the Attorney General in accordance with this subsection, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
f. Except as provided in subsection g. of this section, a person required to register under this act may make application to the Superior Court of this State to terminate the obligation upon proof that the person has not committed an offense within 15 years following conviction or release from a correctional facility for any term of imprisonment imposed, whichever is later, and is not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others.
g. A person required to register under this section who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent, or acquitted by reason of insanity for more than one sex offense as defined in subsection b. of this section or who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent, or acquitted by reason of insanity for aggravated sexual assault pursuant to subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 or sexual assault pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 is not eligible under subsection f. of this section to make application to the Superior Court of this State to terminate the registration obligation.
(cf: P.L.2007, c.219, s.2)
2. Section 1 of P.L.2003, c.206 (C.2C:14-9) is amended to read as follows:
1. a. An actor commits a
crime of the fourth degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to
do so, and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know that
another may expose intimate parts or may engage in sexual penetration or sexual
contact, he observes another person without that person's consent and under
circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed. A
person who is convicted of a second or subsequent crime under this subsection
is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
b. An actor commits a crime of the third degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he photographs, films, videotapes, records, or otherwise reproduces in any manner, the image of another person whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact, without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed.
c. An actor commits a crime of the third degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he discloses any photograph, film, videotape, recording or any other reproduction of the image of another person whose intimate parts are exposed or who is engaged in an act of sexual penetration or sexual contact, unless that person has consented to such disclosure. For purposes of this subsection, "disclose" means sell, manufacture, give, provide, lend, trade, mail, deliver, transfer, publish, distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, advertise or offer. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine not to exceed $30,000 may be imposed for a violation of this subsection.
d. It is an affirmative defense to a crime under this section that:
(1) the actor posted or otherwise provided prior notice to the person of the actor's intent to engage in the conduct specified in subsection a., b., or c., and
(2) the actor acted with a lawful purpose.
e. (1) It shall not be a violation of subsection a. or b. to observe another person in the access way, foyer or entrance to a fitting room or dressing room operated by a retail establishment or to photograph, film, videotape, record or otherwise reproduce the image of such person, if the actor conspicuously posts at the entrance to the fitting room or dressing room prior notice of his intent to make the observations, photographs, films, videotapes, recordings or other reproductions.
(2) It shall be a violation of subsection c. to disclose in any manner any such photograph, film, videotape or recording of another person using a fitting room or dressing room except under the following circumstances:
(a) to law enforcement officers in connection with a criminal prosecution;
(b) pursuant to subpoena or court order for use in a legal proceeding; or
(c) to a co-worker, manager or supervisor acting within the scope of his employment.
f. It shall be a violation of subsection a. or b. to observe another person in a private dressing stall of a fitting room or dressing room operated by a retail establishment or to photograph, film, videotape, record or otherwise reproduce the image of another person in a private dressing stall of a fitting room or dressing room.
g. For purposes of this act, a law enforcement officer, or a corrections officer or guard in a correctional facility or jail, who is engaged in the official performance of his duties shall be deemed to be licensed or privileged to make and to disclose observations, photographs, films, videotapes, recordings or any other reproductions.
h. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-8 or any other provisions of law, a conviction arising under subsection b. of this section shall not merge with a conviction under subsection c. of this section, nor shall a conviction under subsection c. merge with a conviction under subsection b.
(cf: P.L.2003, c.206, s.1)
3. N.J.S.2C:18-3 is amended to read as follows:
2C:18-3. a. Unlicensed entry of structures. A person commits an offense if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he enters or surreptitiously remains in any research facility, structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof. An offense under this subsection is a crime of the fourth degree if it is committed in a school or on school. The offense is a crime of the fourth degree if it is committed in a dwelling. An offense under this section is a crime of the fourth degree if it is committed in a research facility, power generation facility, waste treatment facility, public sewage facility, water treatment facility, public water facility, nuclear electric generating plant or any facility which stores, generates or handles any hazardous chemical or chemical. Otherwise it is a disorderly persons offense.
b. Defiant trespasser. A person commits a petty disorderly persons offense if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he enters or remains in any place as to which notice against trespass is given by:
(1) Actual communication to the actor; or
(2) Posting in a manner prescribed by law or reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders; or
(3) Fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to exclude intruders.
c. Peering into windows or other openings of dwelling places. A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he peers into a window or other opening of a dwelling or other structure adapted for overnight accommodation for the purpose of invading the privacy of another person and under circumstances in which a reasonable person in the dwelling or other structure would not expect to be observed. A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent crime under this subsection is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
d. Defenses. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) A structure involved in an offense under subsection a. was abandoned;
(2) The structure was at the time open to members of the public and the actor complied with all lawful conditions imposed on access to or remaining in the structure; or
(3) The actor reasonably believed that the owner of the structure, or other person empowered to license access thereto, would have licensed him to enter or remain, or, in the case of subsection c. of this section, to peer.
(cf: P.L.2005, c.100, s.1).
4. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill amends "Megan's Law," N.J.S.A.2C:7-2, to expand the enumerated list of offenses which would require an offender to comply with the State's sex offender registration requirements. Under the provisions of the bill, a person who is convicted of, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for the commission of the crime of invasion of privacy, N.J.S.A.2C:14-9, or the crime of peering into windows or other openings of a dwelling, N.J.S.A.2C:18-3, would be required to register under the State's "Megan's Law" registry. The crime of invasion of privacy, subsection a. of N.J.S.A.2C:14-9, results when a person, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know that another person may expose intimate parts or may engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact, observes another person without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed. A person commits the crime of peering into a window or other opening, subsection c. of N.J.S.A.2C:18-3, if knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, he peers into a window or other opening of a dwelling or other structure adapted for overnight accommodation for the purpose of invading the privacy of another person and under circumstances in which a reasonable person in the dwelling or other structure would not expect to be observed.
In addition, this bill would upgrade these enumerated crimes from crimes of the fourth degree to crimes of the third degree if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent crime under either invasion of privacy or peering into a window.
