WeVote
Log In

Bill

DF

Bill

AR 151

Urges Cuba to extradite Joanne Chesimard to U.S.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Fantasia and 2 co-sponsors

Urges Cuba to extradite Joanne Chesimard to the United States for trial, signaling New Jersey’s stance but not creating legal obligations.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
#internataff #memorializat
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AR 151

Summary of AR 151 (New Jersey Assembly)

Title

Urges Cuba to extradite Joanne Chesimard to the United States

Bill Type and Status

  • Type: Assembly resolution (non-binding, memorialization)
  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly on September 12, 2024; referred to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
  • Related: Companion Senate Resolution SR 23

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution expresses the New Jersey General Assembly’s position that Cuba should extradite Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur) to the United States so she may face justice for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper and related offenses.
  • It situates the request in the context of renewed U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations and ongoing efforts by state authorities to obtain Chesimard for trial.

Key Provisions

  • Clause 1: Urges Cuba to extradite Joanne Chesimard to the United States.
  • Clause 2: Directs that copies of the resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to:
    • The charge d’affaires or United States Ambassador to Cuba
    • The Secretary of State of the United States
  • The resolution functions as a formal expression of the Legislature’s stance and does not create statutory obligations or new enforcement mechanisms.

Background and Context Included in the Text

  • Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur) was convicted in 1977 for the May 2, 1973 murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster and the wounding of Trooper James Harper during a shoot-out on the New Jersey Turnpike.
  • Chesimard was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1977, escaped from custody in 1979, and subsequently fled to Cuba, where she was granted political asylum.
  • U.S. authorities have pursued extradition through various channels over the years, including past appeals to high-level figures (e.g., Pope John Paul II in 1998) and Chesimard’s inclusion on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list in 2013.
  • The resolution references the Obama-era restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba as a relevant backdrop for pursuing extradition.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is currently in committee (Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations).
  • As a memorializing resolution, it does not enact new law but signals the Legislature’s stance and requests diplomatic action.
  • If advanced, it would proceed through normal committee and floor consideration, followed by transmission to the named officials.

Potential Impact

  • Symbolic/advocacy impact: Reinforces congressional and public pressure for Chesimard’s extradition.
  • Diplomatic implications: Seeks to influence U.S.-Cuba diplomacy and reiterates New Jersey’s position on accountability for a high-profile murder case.
  • Legal effect: None directly; does not alter statutes or create新 legal requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.