NOW LAW: Moriarty, Hutchison, and Miller Bills Signed into Law to Strengthen Public Safety

Senator Moriarty, Assemblyman Hutchison, and Assemblyman Miller sponsored legislation addressing public safety and accountability has been signed into law.

S3508/A4651 imposes consequences on parents and legal guardians who show a willful disregard for the supervision and control of minors involved in public brawls or disorderly conduct. The law allows municipal judges to hold parents and guardians accountable when a minor’s actions result in property damage or a public disturbance.

If found guilty, a parent or legal guardian may face the following penalties:

a) A fine of up to $1,000 if the minor’s disorderly conduct resulted in property damage;

b) A conviction for a petty disorderly persons offense if the minor incited a public brawl as a first offense; or

c) A conviction for a disorderly persons offense if the minor incited a public brawl as a second or subsequent offense.

Also signed into law, S3506/A4653, requires the Attorney General to establish a crowd management training program and provide resources to municipal police departments and forces to better respond to large gatherings and flash mobs.

Both bills take effect immediately.