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JB

Bill

S 995

Establishes threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers and family members as a second degree crime, subject to No Early Release Act sentencing.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Bramnick

New Jersey bill criminalizes threats against prosecutors, law enforcement, and their families as second-degree offenses with mandatory 85% minimum sentences.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 995

Legislative bill overview

S 995 creates a new second-degree criminal offense in New Jersey for making threats of violence against prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and their family members. Convictions would trigger mandatory minimum sentencing requirements under the state's No Early Release Act (NERA), which typically requires offenders to serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.

Why is this important

Threats against prosecutors and law enforcement have increased in recent years, creating safety concerns for these public servants and their families. This bill aims to deter such threats through enhanced criminal penalties, though it also raises questions about the scope of what constitutes prosecutable "threats" versus protected speech.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Defining "threats" legally can be complex; overly broad language could capture hyperbolic speech or political criticism that shouldn't be criminalized
  • Mandatory minimums debate: NERA sentencing removes judicial discretion, which critics argue is inappropriately harsh for some threat cases while supporters see as necessary protection
  • Family member scope: Including threats against prosecutors' and officers' families dramatically expands the criminal offense, raising questions about proportionality and how distant relatives are covered

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

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