New Jersey Assembly Bill A5771

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/30/23
• Refer: 11/30/23

Caption

Establishes offense of harassing, intimidating, or bullying minor; establishes diversionary program for juveniles charged with offense.

Impact

The bill classifies harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a minor as a disorderly persons offense, which entails legal repercussions including fines. Specifically, offenders face fines that range from $100 for first-time violations to $250 for subsequent offenses. Notably, if a minor is adjudicated delinquent for such an act, they will be charged with a petty disorderly offense which includes similar financial penalties. This revised legal framework is expected to promote accountability among youth perpetrators while also creating a standard legal response to such behaviors.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5771 aims to establish legal parameters against the act of harassing, intimidating, or bullying minors in New Jersey. This legislation defines such offenses as actions, either individually or collectively, intended to cause physical or emotional damage to minors based on various personal attributes such as race, religion, gender identity, and others. The bill is crucially focused on protecting the well-being of minors and addressing the significant concerns regarding youth behavior that leads to harassment and bullying.

Contention

An essential aspect of A5771 is the establishment of a diversionary program for juveniles charged under this bill. The intention behind these programs is to provide juveniles with opportunities for rehabilitation rather than punitive actions alone. If a juvenile is charged with harassment that could be classified as an eligible offense, they may be diverted to participate in remedial education or counseling programs. These programs aim to educate young offenders about the legal and non-legal consequences of their actions and encourage positive behavioral change. As a result, this bill represents both a punitive and restorative approach towards juvenile behavior relating to bullying and harassment.