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Bill > A1705
NJ A1705
NJ A1705Establishes that law enforcement officer who chokes another utilizes deadly force.
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 amends N.J.S.2C:3-11 to establish that the use of a choke-hold by a law enforcement officer constitutes deadly force. Under the bill, a law enforcement officer uses deadly force if he knowingly places pressure on the throat, windpipe, or carotid artery of another person, thereby hindering or preventing the ability to breath, or interfering with the flow of blood from the heart to the brain. Under current law, use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer is only justified if necessary to protect the officer or another person from death or serious bodily injury, to arrest or prevent the escape of a violent criminal, or to prevent the commission of a violent crime. This bill provides that a law enforcement officer is not justified in choking another person unless confronted with one of these dangerous situations.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey law to explicitly define the use of a choke-hold by a law enforcement officer as "deadly force," which is force that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily harm. Specifically, it clarifies that an officer is considered to be using deadly force if they knowingly apply pressure to a person's throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, hindering their ability to breathe or interfering with blood flow to the brain. This change provides context for when such force is legally justifiable, as current law only permits deadly force by officers when necessary to protect themselves or others from death or serious injury, to apprehend violent criminals, or to prevent violent crimes.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness 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/A1705 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1705_I1.HTM |
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