Two Key Public Safety Bills Sponsored by Moriarty, Hutchison, & Miller Advance to the Governor’s Desk

Two public safety bills sponsored by Senator Paul Moriarty, Assemblyman Dan Hutchison, and Assemblyman Miller advanced by the Senate are now headed to the Governor’s desk. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight of sober living residences and crack down on organized public brawls, enhancing safety for both communities and individuals.

Improving Accountability at Sober Living Residences

Bill S-2952/A4535 raises standards for cooperative sober living homes to better protect both residents recovering from substance use disorders and the neighborhoods where these homes operate. The bill amends the Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979 to increase oversight and establish clearer rules for safe operations.

Key provisions include:

• Requires on-site, qualified supervisors to oversee daily operations.

• Mandates random drug and breathalyzer tests to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free environment.

• Encourages peer-led meetings and counseling services to aid recovery.

• Directs the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to conduct two unannounced inspections annually.

• Requires sober living homes to report overdose deaths or suspected crimes to DCA within five days.

• Increased penalties: Raises the maximum civil penalty for licensing violations from $5,000 to $25,000.

  
  

Cracking Down on Public Brawls

Bill S-3507/A4652 creates a new offense for deliberately inciting or engaging in large-scale public brawls. The measure was introduced in response to a series of organized fights at public events like Gloucester Township Day where about 1,000 teens caused chaos and a disturbance.

Key provisions include:

• Designates “Inciting a Public Brawl” as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

• Increases penalties for disorderly conduct when it occurs at large public events.

  
  

Community gatherings are meant to be celebratory, but recent disruptions by large groups have spoiled the spirit of these events and placed public safety at risk. This bill gives law enforcement stronger tools to prevent and respond to these incidents.

Both bills passed the Senate and now await the Governor’s signature.