ASSEMBLY LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3149

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 5, 2021

      The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3149.

     As amended and reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 3149 upgrades the crime of hazing and clarifies that prohibited conduct includes causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

      Currently, a person commits the disorderly persons offense of hazing if, in connection with initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization, the person knowingly or recklessly organizes, promotes, facilitates, or engages in any conduct, other than competitive athletic events, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury.  A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.  A person is guilty of aggravated hazing, a crime of the fourth degree, if serious bodily injury results.  A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

This bill upgrades hazing to a crime of the fourth degree and aggravated hazing to a crime of the third degree, punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.  The bill further clarifies that prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to, causing, coercing, or forcing the consumption of alcohol or drugs.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amendments remove from the bill’s provisions the designation, “Timothy J. Piazza’s Law.”