New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3489

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

Impact

The provisions in A3489 amend existing statutes to classify certain behaviors during riots more severely, including violations that occur in public accommodations and acts of desecration during unrest. For example, destruction of monuments during a riot now constitutes a fourth-degree crime. The bill also establishes the new crime of promotion of violent disorderly assembly, making it a serious offense to conspire with others to engage in riots, with penalties escalating based on the underlying crimes committed.

Summary

Bill A3489 seeks to expand the legal definitions and penalties associated with riot and disorderly conduct in the state of New Jersey. It broadens the circumstances under which a person can be charged with riot, including the omission to disperse when ordered by law enforcement during a riot, and enhances penalties for crimes related to the destruction of public monuments. This bill aims to deter violent disturbances by instituting stiffer consequences for those engaged in or promoting riotous behavior.

Contention

Critics of A3489 argue that while the intention is to maintain public order and protect property, the broad definitions of riot and disorderly conduct could infringe upon the rights of individuals exercising their freedom to assemble peacefully. Concerns have been raised that the bill may disproportionately target protests and civic demonstrations, possibly disincentivizing citizens from expressing their views due to fear of legal repercussions. Moreover, the mandatory sentencing provisions may also come under scrutiny for potentially undermining judicial discretion.

Additional_notes

The bill reflects a growing trend in various states to address public safety in the face of increasing civil unrest. Supporters contend that such legislative measures are crucial to safeguarding communities and ensuring that law enforcement can act decisively against organized violent conduct. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to spark significant discussion among policymakers and the public alike.

Companion Bills

NJ S834

Same As Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S1783

Carry Over Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4577

Carry Over Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4610

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A456

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S652

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S84

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4577

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S834

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S1783

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4714

Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.

NJ S1206

Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.

NJ S399

Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.

Similar Bills

NJ A4577

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S834

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S1783

Broadens riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4610

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A456

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S84

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ S652

Broadens offenses of riot and disorderly conduct; enhances penalties for public monument destruction; addresses riot victim assaults; creates crime of promotion of violent, disorderly assembly.

NJ A4714

Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately.