This bill amends N.J.S.2C:28-4 to establish a new crime of knowingly filing a false report or providing false information to law enforcement authorities with the intent to implicate a law enforcement officer in a crime, offense, or professional infraction that could lead to disciplinary action against the officer. This new provision is classified as a crime of the third degree. The bill also clarifies that a conviction under this new subsection will not merge with existing convictions for falsely incriminating another or for filing fictitious reports.

In addition to the new crime, the bill retains existing provisions that penalize individuals who provide false information to law enforcement with the intent to implicate others. Under current law, such actions can result in a third-degree crime, or a second-degree crime if the false information implicates someone in a more serious crime. The bill aims to strengthen accountability and deter individuals from making false allegations against law enforcement officers, thereby enhancing the integrity of law enforcement operations.