Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children in New Jersey.

Highlights:

• Amends and updates terminology in statutory law pertaining to the sexual exploitation or abuse of children (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends and replaces the term child pornography with the term “trade-in child sexual abuse or exploitation material” in Title 2A (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends the definition of “item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child” is amended to include “child sexual abuse or exploitation material” and the acronym “CSAEM” (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends and replaces the term child pornography with “network to share child sexual abuse or exploitation material” in various sections of Title 2C concerning the definition, degrees of crime, examination referrals, registration of sex offenders, and special sentencing for parole supervision for life for a leader of a network distributing depictions of child sexual abuse or exploitation (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends and clarifies that online distribution or possession of sexual abuse or exploitation material is to be included in the schedule of penalties pertaining to offenses involving computer criminal activity in Title 2C (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends and ​​replaces the term pornography in various parts of Title 30 with “any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material” in the statutes concerning revocation of a daycare center’s registration, criteria for permanent disqualification from employment, disqualification from adopting a child or being a resource family parent, and disqualification of employment at, or ownership or sponsorship of, a child day care center (Sec. 2-16).

• Amends and updates the terminology used in current law to replace outdated references to certain crimes that involve the sexual exploitation or abuse of children (Sec. 2-16).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 17).

Full Bill Text