summary
Introduced
12/05/2024
12/05/2024
In Committee
12/05/2024
12/05/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes that it is a crime to discharge a firearm unlawfully or for an unlawful purpose. Under the bill, a person commits a crime of the third degree by recklessly discharging a firearm unlawfully or without a lawful purpose within a hundred yards of: (1) an occupied structure; or (2) a school, college, university or other educational institution, school bus, or child care facility, whether or not occupied. Any other reckless discharge of a firearm is a crime of the fourth degree pursuant to the bill. Third-degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Fourth-degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill provides that a conviction for recklessly discharging a firearm does not preclude an indictment and conviction for an offense under a different provision of law, and a subsequent conviction is not to merge with the original conviction. The bill also provides that in instances in which the court imposes multiple sentences of imprisonment for more than one offense, those sentences are to run consecutively.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new criminal offense for recklessly discharging a firearm, creating two distinct levels of severity. A third-degree crime occurs when someone recklessly discharges a firearm within 100 yards of an occupied structure (which is broadly defined to include buildings, vehicles, ships, and places for overnight accommodation or business) or near educational institutions like schools, colleges, universities, school buses, or child care facilities, regardless of whether these locations are currently occupied. Any other reckless firearm discharge not meeting these specific location criteria constitutes a fourth-degree crime. The bill specifies that a conviction under this law will not merge with other related convictions, meaning a person can be separately charged and sentenced for this offense in addition to other potential criminal charges. Furthermore, if multiple offenses are involved, the court is required to impose consecutive sentences, meaning the prison terms will be served one after another rather than concurrently. Third-degree crimes carry potential penalties of three to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000, while fourth-degree crimes can result in up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 12/05/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3895 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3895_I1.HTM |
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