This bill establishes the crime of "strangulation chokehold," specifically targeting various law enforcement personnel, including municipal, county, and state officers, as well as Department of Corrections employees and probation officers. Under the new law, these individuals will be guilty of strangulation chokehold if they intentionally impede another person's normal breathing or blood circulation by blocking the nose or mouth or using any chokehold technique, resulting in serious bodily injury or death. The bill classifies strangulation chokehold as a first-degree crime, which carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.

The bill also clarifies the definition of chokehold to include any pressure applied to the throat or windpipe that may hinder breathing or reduce air intake. This legislative action follows a directive from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, which announced a ban on the use of chokeholds and similar tactics by police departments, except in situations where deadly force is warranted. The intent of the bill is to tighten existing policies regarding the use of force by law enforcement and enhance accountability for actions that could lead to serious harm or death.