TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee has approved a bill that establishes the crime of inciting a public brawl and increases penalties for disorderly conduct under certain circumstances.
Senate Bill No. 3507, reported favorably by the committee, makes it a fourth-degree crime to intentionally organize or promote a group of four or more people to engage in disorderly conduct at a public gathering or event. If the act is not connected to a public event, it remains a disorderly persons offense.
The bill also enhances penalties for disorderly conduct when an individual attempts to conceal their identity to avoid prosecution or acts with the intent to disrupt a public event. Under current law, disorderly conduct is classified as a petty disorderly persons offense.
A fourth-degree crime in New Jersey carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, while a disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.