ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 351

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 10, 1997

      The Assembly Judiciary Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 351.

      This bill would make convicted sexual offenders responsible for the cost of DNA testing. In order to ensure that the cost of this testing is collected, the bill authorizes the State to place a lien against the property and income of the sexual offender for the total cost of the DNA testing. The bill sets forth the procedures for the filing of such liens, which would have priority over all unrecorded encumbrances except for any restitutions, assessments or fines imposed.

      The amendments adopted by the committee would delete language from the bill which was unnecessary in light of the enactment of P.L.1994, c.136. These amendments would also link the provisions of the bill to the existing procedures set forth in P.L.1994, c.136.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.

        As amended, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 226 (1R).