Bill > A4284

Introduced Session

On June 5, 2020, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General issued notice that it will ban police departments from using chokeholds, carotid artery neck restraints, or similar tactics, except where deadly force is necessary. The revision clarifies and tightens longstanding policy on the use of this kind of force by law enforcement. This bill establishes the crime of strangulation chokehold, applicable to various law enforcement personnel. Under the bill, enumerated law enforcement personnel commit strangulation chokehold when, with intent to impede the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person he blocks the nose or mouth, or uses any procedure known as a chokehold, which results in serious bodily injury or death. Strangulation chokehold is classified as a crime of the first degree, ordinarily punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $200,000, or both. Under the bill, "chokehold" includes but is not limited to, any pressure of the throat or windpipe which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air.

Committee Categories

Mila Jasey (D)*,  Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,  Benjie Wimberly (D)*,  Herbert Conaway (D),  Jamel Holley (D),  Gordon Johnson (D),  Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D),  Andrew Zwicker (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee (on 06/18/2020)