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  • NJ A892
  • Makes harassment by electronic means a crime of the fourth degree.
Introduced
(1/27/2016)In Committee
(1/27/2016)Crossed OverPassedSignedDead/Failed/Vetoed
2016-2017 Regular Session
This bill is intended to address the problem of cyberbullying. It would amend N.J.S.2C:33-4 to upgrade the crime of harassment under certain circumstances from a petty disorderly persons offense to a crime of the fourth degree. Under current law, a person is guilty of the petty disorderly persons offense of harassment if, among other acts, he "makes, or causes to be made, a communication or communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensively coarse language, or any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm." Under the bill, it would be a crime of the fourth degree to commit the act of harassment by electronic means. The bill defines "electronic means" as including but not limited to any communications conveyed by any electronic communication device, which includes but is not limited to, a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectric or photo-optical system, telephone, including a cordless, cellular or digital telephone, computer, video recorder, fax machine, pager, or any other means of transmitting voice or data. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days, a fine of up to $500, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
Judiciary
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee  (on 1/27/2016)
 
 
Date Chamber Action Description
1/27/2016 A Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Date Motion Yea Nay Other
None specified