summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new criminal offense called "strangulation chokehold" that applies to various law enforcement personnel, including municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers, corrections employees, probation officers, sheriffs, and juvenile detention staff. Under this bill, these personnel would be guilty of strangulation chokehold if they intentionally block another person's nose or mouth or use a chokehold procedure with the intent to impede normal breathing or blood circulation, resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The bill defines a "chokehold" broadly as any pressure on the throat or windpipe that may prevent, hinder, or reduce breathing. The offense is classified as a first-degree crime, which typically carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $200,000, or both. This legislation appears to be a response to growing concerns about law enforcement use of force, particularly in light of high-profile incidents involving neck restraints, and aligns with the New Jersey Attorney General's June 2020 notice banning such tactics except in situations where deadly force is necessary.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 03/03/2025)
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/S4208 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4208_I1.HTM |
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