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Bill > S1353
NJ S1353
NJ S1353Creates offense of impersonating first responder; grades offense one degree higher than underlying offense.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates the new offense of impersonating a first responder for the purpose of aiding the commission of a crime or offense. This bill is similar to N.J.S.A.2C:28-8 which makes it a crime to impersonate a public servant or law enforcement officer with purpose to induce another to submit to such pretended official authority, or to otherwise to act in reliance upon that pretense. A person who commits the new offense is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if the underlying offense is a disorderly persons offense. Otherwise, the offense is classified one degree higher than the underlying offense, except that where the underlying crime is a crime of the first degree, the offense is a first-degree. Under the bill, the offense is committed if a person impersonates or dresses as a first responder, assumes a false identity as a first responder, or makes a false or misleading statement regarding their own identity as a first responder for the purpose of committing a crime or offense and commits a crime or offense in such assumed character or false identity. Under the bill, the offense is graded as a crime of the fourth degree if the underlying offense is a disorderly persons offense. Otherwise, a crime under this bill is classified one degree higher than the underlying offense. This bill is based upon reported instances in California of individuals impersonating first responders, specifically fire fighters battling wildfires, for the purpose of committing various crimes amid the chaos and turmoil. The November 2024 drought warning status declared by Governor Murphy and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections Commissioner LaTourette remains in effect for New Jersey. With that status, the risk for wildfires and other public health risks requiring the assistance and presence of fire and first responder personnel persists. It is the sponsors' view that taking advantage of a crisis situation to commit criminal acts warrants enhanced penalties.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new crime for impersonating a first responder, which includes law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, if done with the intent to commit another crime or offense and a crime is subsequently committed while in that false identity. The severity of this new crime is determined by the underlying offense; if the underlying offense is a minor offense (disorderly persons offense), the impersonation crime is a fourth-degree crime, and for more serious underlying offenses, the impersonation crime is graded one degree higher than the underlying crime, with first-degree crimes remaining first-degree. This legislation is a response to instances where individuals have impersonated first responders, such as firefighters during wildfires, to commit crimes amid chaotic situations, and aims to impose harsher penalties for exploiting crises.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1353 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1353_I1.HTM |
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