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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill exempts police from criminal liability in underage alcohol and cannabis stops unless civil rights are violated
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness CommitteeSponsors: Flynn, Victoria A. and 6 others
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What This Bill Would Do
Removes criminal liability for law enforcement officers who have investigative encounter with underage person for possession of alcohol or cannabis unless civil rights are violated.
Changes the legal standards under which police officers face criminal prosecution for procedural violations during underage alcohol and cannabis stops by introducing a requirement for discriminatory intent.
- New Jersey enacted P.L.2021, c.25 in connection with the legalization of cannabis to establish specific guidelines and restrictions for law enforcement interactions with underage individuals possessing alcohol or cannabis. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
law enforcement officers
underage individuals possessing or consuming alcohol or cannabis
Underage individuals involved in alcohol or cannabis stops are subject to police investigative encounters where officers face a different standard of criminal liability for procedural violations.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Show 2 more sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Modification of Police Liability Standards
The bill amends a 2021 enactment (P.L.2021, c.25) to add a requirement for discriminatory intent in order to establish criminal liability for civil rights deprivation during underage substance stops.
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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