New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

The New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights continues to review the
civil rights impacts that a criminal record has on New Jerseyans in two areas: criminal asset
forfeiture and access to occupational licenses necessary for employment. Both areas/topics are part
of the on-going national dialogue on needed reforms to the criminal legal system.

Like the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, its 51 federal advisory Committees—in each state and the
District of Columbia—study civil rights issues in their jurisdictions. They report the results of
their examinations to the Commission, including findings and recommendations. Neither the USCCR nor
any of the advisory committees is authorized to enforce federal civil rights laws. That authority
rests with other federal entities.

The Commission and its advisory committees rely on third party experts when conducting their
reviews. Most often, they organize panel briefings comprised of experts, including academics and
researchers; appointed and elected governments officials; advocates and representatives from civil
rights/community-based/public policy think tanks; and persons who wish to share their personal
stories and/or that of their loved ones about the topics under review.

Two panel briefings on each topic are scheduled for November. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the
panel briefings will be conducted as virtual meetings—see below, for how to attend the panel
briefings.

Dates

The two briefings for each topic are scheduled, see, attached Agendas for list of invited experts.
– Employment-Occupational Licenses: November 12 and 18.

– Asset Forfeiture in Criminal Matters: November 17 and 19.
Please note that the NJ Advisory Committee intends to schedule an additional panel briefing of
invited officials from various NJ licensing boards and committees. That panel briefing will likely
be scheduled for Ja on website for
the date, time and how to
attend the meeting.

2
Public Comments

Each panel briefing will run for approximately two-hours. And, immediately after each panel
briefing has concluded, the Committee will hear short statements from interested members of the
public who wish to share their experiences and knowledge on these two topics. Persons wishing to
make statements will be recognized for three to five minutes. They and other interested members of
the public also may submit written comments related to topic after each briefing. Written comments
received in the Eastern Regional Office within approximately 30 days after each briefing will be
made a part of the briefing record. Because of the pandemic, please email written comments, as
follows: subject line should state: Atten: Ivy Davis, NJ Advisory Committee and emailed to:
ero@usccr.gov.

Anticipated Outcomes

There will be a written transcript of each panel briefing, including any statements made at the
Public Comments. Once all panel briefings have concluded, the Committee w rt
to the
Commission that will be posted to the agency’s website, listed below.