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Bill

Bill

A 2389

Establishes offense of harassing, intimidating, or bullying minor; establishes diversionary program for juveniles charged with offense.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne DeAngelo and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill criminalizes bullying/harassment of minors and establishes juvenile diversion programs as alternatives to prosecution.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
#crimproced #crimes
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Bill Summary · A 2389

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2389 creates a new criminal offense in New Jersey specifically targeting harassment, intimidation, or bullying directed at minors. The bill also establishes a diversionary program that allows juveniles charged with this offense to avoid traditional prosecution through alternative intervention and rehabilitation pathways.

Why is this important

Youth bullying and harassment have documented mental health impacts on victims, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. By codifying these behaviors as a specific offense and creating diversion options, the bill attempts to balance accountability with rehabilitation—potentially reducing recidivism while protecting vulnerable youth from harm.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" may be difficult to define with legal precision, potentially creating enforcement inconsistencies or First Amendment concerns around protected speech versus actionable conduct
  • Diversion program scope and funding: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequately funded intervention programs; unclear whether municipalities have resources to implement diversionary options consistently
  • Age considerations: The bill doesn't specify minimum age thresholds for juvenile offenders or victims, raising questions about whether very young children bullying peers would face criminal charges or diversion

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

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