Bill

Bill > S995


NJ S995

NJ S995
Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and family members as a second degree crime, subject to No Early Release Act sentencing.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill upgrades the crime of threatening to physically harm a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, or a member of their family to a crime of the second degree. Under the provisions of the bill, a person who threatens to kill or cause physical harm to a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, or a member of their family with the purpose of putting that prosecutor or law enforcement officer in imminent fear of the threatened victim being killed or physically harmed is guilty of a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment for a term of five to ten years; a fine of up to $150,000, or both. The bill also provides that anyone convicted of the crime of threatening to physically harm a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, or a member of their family is subject to sentencing under the "No Early Release Act" (section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117; C.2C:43-7.2). A person sentenced under the "No Early Release Act" is required to serve a minimum of 85% of his court imposed sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

AI Summary

This bill makes it a second-degree crime to threaten to kill or physically harm a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, or a member of their family, with the intent to make that official fear for their safety. A second-degree crime is punishable by five to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000. Importantly, anyone convicted of this offense will be subject to the "No Early Release Act," meaning they must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole. This legislation aims to increase penalties for threats against those who work in law enforcement and the justice system, recognizing the serious nature of such threats and the need for them to serve a significant portion of their sentence without early release.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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