New Jersey Senate Bill S3246

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/24
• Refer: 5/16/24

Caption

Changes underage gambling from disorderly persons offense to civil penalty; provides for deposit of all associated fines to local public safety funds.

Impact

The modification in penalties is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing gambling and public safety. By transitioning from criminal charges to civil fines, S3246 intends to alleviate the burden on individuals found guilty of underage gambling and shift the focus towards administrative penalties. The fines collected from such infractions will be directed to a public safety services trust fund specifically for Atlantic City, which is likely to enhance local public safety initiatives and funding.

Summary

Senate Bill S3246 aims to amend the existing laws related to underage gambling in New Jersey by shifting the penalties from being classified as disorderly persons offenses to civil penalties. This change will significantly reduce the punitive nature of such violations. Under the current law, anyone gambling below the legal age of 21 faces criminal charges, while casinos and their employees are also liable for allowing underage patrons to gamble. The bill proposes civil fines that escalate with repeated offenses, thereby streamlining the penalty process and providing clearer consequences for violations.

Contention

While the bill aims to reduce the penal consequences of underage gambling, it may encounter some opposition. Critics may argue that reducing penalties could inadvertently encourage underage gambling, undermining efforts to discourage such activities. Advocates for stringent gambling regulations might express concerns that the civil approach does not adequately deter underage individuals from attempting to gamble, possibly leading to an increase in such incidents. The discussion surrounding this bill will likely revolve around the balance between penalizing underage gambling effectively and ensuring that young individuals are not unduly punished for their actions.