Bill

Bill > A2873


NJ A2873

NJ A2873
Upgrades penalty for assault on law enforcement to second degree crime under certain circumstances.


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 penalty for assault upon a law enforcement officer. Under current law, it is a crime of the third degree to assault a person identifiable as law enforcement if the victim suffers bodily injury; otherwise, it is a crime of the fourth degree. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both; a fourth degree crime is punishable by a term of imprisonment no longer than 18 months, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. This bill increases the offense of assaulting a person identifiable as law enforcement to a crime of the second degree if the victim is injured. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of five to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $150,000, or both. If the victim is uninjured, the assault is a crime of the third degree, which is punishable by three to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000 or both. In the view of the sponsor, it is necessary to elevate the penalty for assault on law enforcement as a deterrent in light of recent increases in anti-police rhetoric and behavior.

AI Summary

This bill strengthens penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers by upgrading the offense to a second-degree crime if the officer suffers bodily injury, meaning the offender could face five to ten years in prison and a fine up to $150,000. If the officer is not injured, the assault remains a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. This change aims to deter assaults on law enforcement in response to perceived increases in anti-police sentiment and actions.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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