An Act concerning certain municipal court procedures, and amending P.L.2000, c.75.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 2 of P.L.2000, c.75 (C.2B:25-11) is amended to read as follows:
C.2B:25-11 Acceptance of plea to lesser offense.
2. a. In accordance with the Rules of Court adopted by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or procedures promulgated by the Administrative Office of the Courts, a municipal prosecutor may recommend to the court to accept a plea to a lesser or other offense.
b. (1) The Administrative Office of the Courts has developed and shall administer a Municipal Case Resolution Program that would allow a defendant charged with a matter falling within the jurisdiction of the municipal court to engage in online:
(a) plea negotiations with a municipal prosecutor;
(b) entry of a guilty plea; and
(c) payment of a fine or penalty.
(2) A municipal prosecutor shall use the Municipal Case Resolution Program developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or limit the authority or discretion of the Supreme Court to regulate the practice of plea agreements in municipal court, or to alter or limit the authority or discretion of a prosecutor.
2. This act shall take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment.
Approved November 8, 2021.