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AR 37

Urges Governor and Attorney General to provide assistance to municipalities in response to unpermitted mass gatherings and "pop-up parties" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 3 co-sponsors

Urges Governor and Attorney General to provide state assistance to municipalities for managing unpermitted mass gatherings and pop-up parties, improving public safety.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
#municipaliti #pubsafety
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Bill Summary · AR 37

AR 37 – Summary

Overview

AR 37 is a House Assembly resolution introduced in New Jersey on January 9, 2024. It urges the Governor and the Attorney General to provide assistance to municipalities in responding to unpermitted mass gatherings and “pop-up parties” in New Jersey. The measure has been referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee and is identified as a resolution (non-binding).

Purpose and intent

  • To seek executive branch support for localities facing spontaneous, unpermitted gatherings that threaten public safety.
  • To bolster municipal ability to maintain order, protect the public, and restore community peace during disorderly events that arise quickly and without prior authorization.

Key provisions

  • Operative language: The General Assembly “respectfully urges” the Governor and the Attorney General to provide assistance to municipalities to help maintain order and public safety during unpermitted mass gatherings.
  • Communication directive: Copies of the resolution (as filed with the Secretary of State) must be transmitted to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Attorney General.
  • Rationale included in the accompanying statement emphasizes:
    • The role of municipalities in issuing special event permits for organized events (e.g., block parties, parades, festivals) to help predict and prepare required resources.
    • The rise of unpermitted “pop-up” gatherings on public spaces, frequently organized via social media, with heightened risk of crowd-related injuries and property damage.
    • Notable incidents (e.g., the 2022 Wildwood “street take over”) illustrating potential dangers.
    • Limitations of local agencies in handling abrupt, large crowds without sufficient support.
    • Existing calls from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities for state-level action (Resolution No. 2022-13) and references to proposed legislation on curfews, enhanced penalties, State Police assistance, and a temporary social media surveillance unit.

Who/what is affected

  • Directly affects: Municipalities and local law enforcement, which would gain state-provided assistance to manage unpermitted gatherings.
  • Indirectly affects: Public safety agencies at the state level (Governor, Attorney General) and residents who benefit from improved crowd management and safety measures.
  • Stakeholders referenced: New Jersey State League of Municipalities and entities involved in enforcing or regulating mass gatherings and social media monitoring.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.
  • Introduced date: January 9, 2024.
  • Nature of action: Non-binding resolution urging executive action rather than establishing new law or funding in statute.
  • Related legislation: Companion bill SR 45 (Senate/related referral not detailed here).

Related bills and context

  • The resolution cites prior and ongoing legislative discussions, including proposed measures for curfews, enhanced penalties, state police support, and temporary social media surveillance units, as context for why state backing is sought.
  • The NJ State League of Municipalities’ 2022 resolution (No. 2022-13) is referenced as part of the policy backdrop.

Overall, AR 37 seeks to catalyze state-level support to help municipalities anticipate and respond effectively to spontaneous, unpermitted mass gatherings and protect public safety.

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

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