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A 5850

Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Hutchison and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 5850 makes it a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey to conceal identity while committing a crime, enhancing penalties and deterring criminal behavior.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5850

Summary of Bill A 5850

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 5850
  • Title: Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
  • Introduced Date: June 19, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Criminal Procedure, Crimes

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5850 aims to establish a new disorderly persons offense in New Jersey for individuals who conceal their identity while committing another crime. The intent is to deter criminal behavior by making it an offense to wear masks or disguises with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding apprehension.

Key Provisions

  • Disorderly Persons Offense:

    • It will be a disorderly persons offense for a person to conceal their identity by wearing a mask or disguise while committing another crime or offense.
    • The offense is specifically aimed at those who wear disguises with the intent to instill fear or evade law enforcement.

  • Exemptions:

    • Individuals wearing masks or disguises for medical, religious, or expressive purposes are exempt from this offense. This provision ensures that the law does not infringe on personal rights related to health or expression.

  • Conditions for Charge:

    • A person can only be charged under this bill if they are also charged with an underlying crime or offense as defined under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.
    • The individual must have been wearing a mask or disguise at the time of committing the underlying crime.

  • Non-Merger Clause:

    • Convictions under this bill will not merge with other criminal offenses. This means that a person can face separate penalties for the disorderly persons offense in addition to any penalties for the underlying crime.

  • Penalties:

    • A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Criminal Offenders: Individuals committing crimes while concealing their identity could face additional charges and penalties.
  • Law Enforcement: The bill may provide law enforcement with additional tools to prosecute individuals who use disguises to evade capture or instill fear during criminal activities.
  • General Public: The bill aims to enhance public safety by discouraging the use of disguises in criminal acts.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the Assembly and has been referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
  • If passed, the bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Related Legislation

  • S 4842: A companion bill that may address similar issues or provide additional context to the legislative intent behind A 5850.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 5850, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on individuals and law enforcement in New Jersey.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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