Bill > A2935

Introduced Session

This bill enhances the penalties for the crime of improper behavior if committed on a public beach under certain circumstances. Currently, improper behavior is a petty disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. The offense is committed when a person acts recklessly to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. If this conduct occurs under unregulated circumstances on a public beach, the risk of escalation into uncontrolled violence is substantially greater. Recent violent outbreaks, such as the events that occurred at Pier Village in Long Branch, New Jersey, demonstrate the reality of this risk. This bill elevates this conduct to a disorderly persons offense if it occurs at an unpermitted mass gathering on a public beach. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. In addition, the bill provides that a person who organizes an unpermitted mass gathering on a public beach and threatens or encourages violence, destruction or property, or illegal drug or alcohol use during the event is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment a fine of up to $10,000, or both. In addition to any other fine or penalty imposed, a person or the legal guardian of a minor who is guilty of organizing an unpermitted mass gathering on a public beach is be responsible for paying the cost of any damages to persons or property resulting from the unpermitted mass gathering. Under the bill "unpermitted mass gathering on a public beach" means (1) an event or occasion occurring on a public beach, organized by an identifiable source, unrestricted as to the number of attendees, and notice for which was advertised on public media including, but not limited to, social media platforms or websites; (2) a permit to assemble has not been obtained from the municipality in which the event or occasion is held; and (3) the number of people attending or likely to attend is sufficient to strain the planning and response resources of the community or municipality in which the event or occasion is held, a determination which, once assessed by the municipality, has been declared through a public address or other emergency notification system. While recognizing the paramount constitutional right of persons to lawfully assemble, the risks posed by unregulated and unrestricted "pop-up" events pose unique risks, including violence and destruction of property.

AI Summary

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Gary Schaer (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document