TRENTON, NJ — A new bill has been introduced that sets out to address harassment, intimidation, and bullying among minors by establishing specific offenses and introducing a diversionary program for juveniles.
The bill identifies harassment, intimidation, or bullying as a disorderly persons offense. It becomes a petty disorderly offense if a minor is adjudicated for an act that would be a similar offense if committed by an adult.
The legislation defines the offense as engaging in any gesture, written, verbal, physical act, or electronic communication that aims to harm a minor physically or emotionally. This includes damage to property or instilling fear based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity.
Adults or juveniles found guilty of these offenses face a fine of up to $100 for the first offense and up to $250 for subsequent offenses. A unique aspect of the bill is its focus on diversion to restorative justice programs where available, aiming for rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Juveniles charged under this bill may have their complaints diverted to remedial education or counseling programs if the court deems them amenable. These programs are designed to increase awareness of the legal and non-legal consequences of harassing behavior and encourage a deeper understanding of the impacts of such actions.