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 establishes a second degree crime for false public alarms when the alarm involves a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, gurdwara, or other place of public worship. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building capable of seating more than 50 people used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination. Finally, the bill provides for additional penalties for false alarms as it relates to churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, gurdwaras, or other places of worship. A person committing such a violation is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 or the actual costs incurred by or resulting from the emergency response to the false alarm, whichever is higher. A second degree crime is punishable by a term of 5-10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill makes it a second-degree crime to falsely report an emergency at a place of worship, which is defined as a building that can seat over 50 people and is primarily used for worship by a recognized religious group. This is a more serious offense than a third-degree crime, which is the general penalty for other false alarms. Additionally, the bill increases the civil penalty for false alarms at places of worship to a minimum of $5,000 or the actual cost of the emergency response, whichever is greater, compared to the previous minimum of $2,000 for other false alarms. A second-degree crime in New Jersey can result in 5 to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety 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/S2929 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2929_I1.HTM |
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