TRENTON, NJ — A bill that would create the offense of inciting a public brawl and increase penalties for certain disorderly conduct violations has been approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Senate Bill S-3507 would make it a fourth-degree crime for a person to organize or promote a group of four or more people to engage in disorderly conduct, particularly if it disrupts a public gathering or event. If no public disruption occurs, the offense would be classified as a disorderly persons offense.
The bill also enhances penalties for individuals who conceal their identity while engaging in disorderly conduct to avoid arrest or prosecution. Additionally, it upgrades disorderly conduct at a public gathering from a petty disorderly persons offense to a disorderly persons offense.
A fourth-degree crime carries a penalty of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine, while a disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The measure also mandates court appearances for those cited for disorderly conduct offenses.
The bill now moves forward for further legislative consideration.
Key Points:
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- S-3507 makes inciting a public brawl a fourth-degree crime if it disrupts a public event.
- Concealing identity while engaging in disorderly conduct would be a disorderly persons offense.
- The bill increases penalties, including up to 18 months in prison for serious offenses.