Bill > S4934

This bill creates a new crime of political violence in New Jersey that applies when someone commits specific serious offenses (such as assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, arson, or terrorism) with the purpose of interfering with or retaliating against another person because of their political affiliation or expression. The bill defines political affiliation broadly as membership or support for a political party, candidate, or electoral process, and political expression as nonviolent civic activities like speaking, assembling, or volunteering. If convicted, offenders would face enhanced criminal penalties, with the crime graded one degree higher than the underlying offense and mandatory separate sentencing. The bill also establishes an independent 11-member Political Violence Review Board to collect and analyze data on these incidents, looking for potential disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, or political affiliation. Additionally, the bill requires the Division of Criminal Justice to develop a specialized training curriculum for law enforcement and prosecutors, mandating initial and annual training on handling political violence cases, including understanding the societal impact of such crimes. The new crime and review board provisions take effect immediately, while the training requirements will begin 90 days after enactment.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4934