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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill establishes 'Minor Protection Order Act of 2026' for minors aged 14 and older
Last action · October 19, 2026: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary CommitteeSponsors: Nicholas P. Scutari and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
The bill would establish the "Minor Protection Order Act of 2026," allowing parents or legal guardians of minors aged 14 or older to apply for temporary and final protection orders against minor respondents aged 14 or older through the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part. The measure authorizes courts to mandate firearm surrenders, no-contact provisions, counseling, and social media restrictions, and makes violating an order a crime or .
Parents of minor victims gain a specialized civil legal mechanism outside traditional domestic violence statutes to seek court-ordered safety restrictions, firearm prohibitions, and mandatory counseling against minor respondents.
- New Jersey courts handle domestic violence and protective orders through specialized family parts under the Superior Court Chancery Division. context
- Existing protective statutes like the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 primarily govern adults and emancipated minors. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Minors at least 14 years of age
Minors can seek protection orders or be named as respondents, facing potential restrictions on contact, firearms, locations, and social media.
Parents and legal guardians
Parents and legal guardians are authorized to file applications on behalf of minor victims and are required to be present at final protection order hearings.
Superior Court
The Superior Court is tasked with docketing applications, holding expedited hearings, issuing temporary and final orders, and ensuring judicial personnel complete required training.
Law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement officers are responsible for serving orders, accompanying respondents to surrender weapons, and enforcing protection order violations.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for a minor protection order under this bill?
What happens if a final minor protection order is issued against a respondent?
How long does a final minor protection order remain in effect?
What are the penalties for violating a minor protection order?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Oct 19, 2026SenateIntroducedIntroduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Creation of Dedicated Minor Protection Orders
The bill fills a legal gap by establishing protection orders specifically for unemancipated minors aged 14 and older, distinct from adult domestic violence and general protective orders.
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy45Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment15Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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