This bill amends N.J.S.2C:33-3 to establish a second degree crime for initiating false public alarms specifically involving places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, and temples. The bill defines a "place of worship" as a building that can seat more than 50 people and is used primarily for public or private worship by a recognized religious organization. In addition to the criminal penalties, which include a potential prison term of 5-10 years and fines up to $150,000, the bill also introduces a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 for violations related to false alarms at places of worship, or the actual costs incurred from the emergency response, whichever is higher.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing penalties for false public alarms by increasing the civil penalty for violations involving places of worship, while maintaining the penalties for other types of false alarms. The legislation aims to deter false alarms that could disrupt the safety and security of religious communities and ensure that law enforcement and emergency services are not unduly burdened by such incidents. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:33-3.2