NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Lawmakers in New Jersey are working on two bills that would better protect victims of domestic violence.
One bill would compel social media companies to share information for warrants within 72 hours, as Simmons said every second counts.
Another bill would eliminate the presumption of pre-trial release for someone who has violated a restraining order, giving courts more discretion to hold someone who is considered a threat.
Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Heather Simmons said the bills were drafted after several recent tragedies, including Tomeka Kamwani, a mother of four from Swedesboro, who was killed by her ex-fiancé after he repeatedly violated a restraining order.
“There were four women in New Jersey within the last several months who were murdered by their abusers in domestic violence and stalking cases. And in all of those cases, there were warning signals. And there were efforts on behalf of the victims to seek help,” Simmons said.
Both bills have more legislative hurdles to clear before being brought for a full vote.
