New Jersey Assembly Bill A3470

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/8/22

Caption

Establishes second degree crime for threatening to kill law enforcement officers.

Impact

The bill modifies N.J.S.2C:12-3 on terroristic threats, making it a second-degree crime when an individual threatens to kill a law enforcement officer or a group thereof. The penalties for such threats are severe, carrying a potential imprisonment of five to ten years and significant fines up to $150,000. This amendment is critical in reinforcing the state’s stance on the safety of its officers, particularly given recent events that have raised alarm over threats targeting law enforcement.

Details

The bill’s statement underscores the recent context of threats to law enforcement, such as those observed in Jersey City, which provided a compelling argument for upgrading the legal repercussions. The immediate effect of this legislation would be the enhancement of penalties for individuals making threats against law enforcement, thereby aiming to deter such behavior in the future.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3470, introduced in New Jersey, establishes a second-degree crime for threatening to kill law enforcement officers. This legislative change highlights the increasing concern for the safety of law enforcement personnel and aims to provide stronger legal protections. Under this bill, the act of threatening law enforcement officers becomes significantly more serious, warranting a second-degree classification rather than the previous third-degree categorization, which is applied to threats made against civilians.

Contention

Supporters of A3470 assert that these changes are necessary to address escalating violence and threats against law enforcement officials. There is concern that the nature of modern threats necessitates stringent measures to ensure the safety of those who serve in law enforcement. However, opponents may argue that such amendments could lead to the overcriminalization of free speech or could disproportionately affect specific communities. Balancing the concerns of law enforcement safety with civil liberties remains a point of discussion.