ACR188

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman DAVID P. RIBLE

District 30 (Monmouth and Ocean)

Assemblyman ANTHONY M. BUCCO

District 25 (Morris and Somerset)

Assemblyman JON M. BRAMNICK

District 21 (Morris, Somerset and Union)

Assemblyman WAYNE P. DEANGELO

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

Assemblyman EDWARD H. THOMSON

District 30 (Monmouth and Ocean)

SYNOPSIS

Urges United States Congress to enact “Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016.”

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As introduced.

A Concurrent Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the “Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016.”

Whereas, Law enforcement officers risk making the ultimate sacrifice in order to uphold justice and protect our communities; and

Whereas, There are approximately 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers now serving in the United States; and

Whereas, The contemptible actions of a certain few law enforcement officers has resulted in negativity being directed toward law enforcement officers, in general, and an erosion of respect for the authority of these officers throughout this country; and

Whereas, Despite the substantial risks they face each and every day, law enforcement officers in New Jersey and throughout the United States choose to serve, protect, and safeguard our lives and property; and

Whereas, In the United States, 123 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2015 and there were 15,725 assaults against law enforcement officers in 2014, resulting in 13,824 injuries; and

Whereas, Law enforcement officers in a number of states have been targeted solely because of their status as law enforcement officers; and

Whereas, These crimes against law enforcement officers are hateful acts and should be treated accordingly under the law; and

Whereas, Consistent with other laws requiring increased penalties for hate crimes based on a victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, the perpetrators of targeted attacks against law enforcement officers should be subject to enhanced penalties; and

Whereas, The “Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016,” pending before the United States Congress as H.R.4760, provides that violent crimes targeting law enforcement officers are federal hate crimes warranting harsher penalties; and

Whereas, It is in the public interest to support the enactment of the “Blues Lives Matter Act of 2016,” and prevent violence against law enforcement officers in this State and nation; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

1. This Legislature respectfully urges the United States Congress to enact the “Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016,” which provides that violent crimes targeting law enforcement officers are federal hate crimes.

2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the presiding officers of both Houses of Congress, to the sponsors of H.R.4760, and to each member of Congress elected from this State.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution urges the United States Congress to enact the “Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016,” pending as H.R.4760. This bill provides that violent crimes targeting law enforcement officers are federal hate crimes. Under the bill, perpetrators of these crimes targeting law enforcement would be subject to increased penalties, consistent with penalties provided under current law for hate crimes based on a victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.