New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3273

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes that law enforcement officer who chokes another utilizes deadly force.

Impact

The impact of A3273 would significantly alter the current standards for police conduct in New Jersey. If passed, law enforcement officers would no longer be justified in using choke-holds during arrests unless they are confronted with a situation that involves imminent threats of death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others. This change aims to enhance accountability and promote safer policing practices by limiting the acceptable use of dangerous physical restraint methods.

Summary

A3273 is a proposed bill in the New Jersey legislature that specifically addresses the use of choke-holds by law enforcement officers, categorizing them as a form of deadly force. The bill aims to amend existing state laws related to the use of force by police, which requires a thorough justification for employing deadly force only under certain circumstances. The bill clarifies that a choke-hold, which impedes breathing and blood flow, falls into the category of actions that could result in fatal consequences, necessitating stricter parameters for its use.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding A3273, as discussions related to policing tactics often provoke diverse opinions among lawmakers and the public. Proponents of the bill argue for heightened accountability and the protection of individuals' rights in interactions with law enforcement, especially in light of recent instances of police violence reported nationally. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of such measures in the context of law enforcement operations, arguing that officers need a range of tactical options to ensure their safety and that of the public during potentially volatile situations. This balancing act between ensuring public safety and preventing excessive use of force will likely be central to debates about the bill.

Companion Bills

NJ A1371

Carry Over Establishes that law enforcement officer who chokes another utilizes deadly force.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1371

Establishes that law enforcement officer who chokes another utilizes deadly force.

NJ S1393

Clarifies that law enforcement officer who knowingly chokes another person engages in use of deadly force.

NJ A2431

Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law.

NJ A870

Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law.

NJ S265

Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law.

NJ S1494

Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law.

NJ A4698

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ S775

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ S2996

Requires Attorney General to revise guidelines regarding use of conducted energy devices by law enforcement officers; establishes law enforcement conducted energy device training.

NJ A1370

Establishes crime of strangulation chokehold.

Similar Bills

WV HB3332

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3330

Creating family court circuits and assigning the number of family court judges in each family court circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

WV HB3329

Creating judicial circuits and assigning the number of circuit judges in each circuit to be elected in the 2024 election

NJ SCR72

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR73

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR96

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR83

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

CA ACA13

Voting thresholds.