Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday conditionally vetoed a bill that would further punish instigators of public brawls in New Jersey after the legislation quickly was passed by both houses of the state Legislature in March.
The bill (A4652) proposes fourth-degree criminal charges for inciting a public brawl, a tool local officials suggest is key in preventing throngs of teenagers from assembling at New Jersey’s boardwalks and parks for disorderly behavior.
The bill passed both the state Senate and Assembly without opposition. With about three weeks before the holiday, lawmakers in Trenton now must consider changes Murphy recommended.
A conditional veto gives the governor power to reject a proposed law while suggesting amendments to make it acceptable. In order a version that includes Murphy’s changes, The legislature can incorporate the recommendations and send the bill back to the governor.
In a statement on his decision, Murphy said he was most concerned the bill could infringe on the First Amendment protections to free speech and assembly. However, he also complimented for lawmakers acting urgently to protect public safety.
“I applaud the sponsors of this bill who rightly recognize the need to deter incidents of group violence, particularly at public gatherings and events,” Murphy said in his veto statement. “Our communities should feel safe and supported whenever they gather, whether it is to conduct public business or to celebrate important occasions.”
Murphy also asked lawmakers to revise a section of the bill targeting those who attempt to conceal their faces when enticing public violence. He requested lawmakers include exemptions for people, notably for masks, for “medical, religious, or expressive purposes.”
Lawmakers were influenced by several cases of teenagers clashing at the Jersey Shore last year during the summer’s first major holiday. In one case, a brawl on the Ocean City boardwalk led to a 16-year-old boy being charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a 15-year-old.
State Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, R-Cape May, whose district covers Ocean City, questioned why Murphy would veto a widely bipartisan bill. He said he had not read the conditional veto when reached by NJ Advance Media.
While most legislation can linger in Trenton, this bill passed in the legislature with quick speed, Simonsen said. The bill, he suggested, was time-sensitive, as officials hoped the bill could give them leverage as the holiday weekend looms.
“This bill at least would restore some teeth to law enforcement that are trying to deal with these issues,” Simonsen said. “It’s unfortunate.”
Simonsen is among Republicans who have chastised the Murphy administration’s reforms to limit juvenile detention. Republicans have continually suggested police directives issued in 2020 strip law enforcement of their authority toward minors.
“I think the governor should suit up in a police uniform and walk the beat on the boardwalk some night — Friday or Saturday night — in the summer and give it a little bit,” Simonsen said.
The legislation was one of three bills formed to help communities handle rambunctious teenagers.
Two other bills are pending. One would levy fines of up to $1,000 against parents of children participating in disorderly behavior. The other would direct the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to form intervention training tailored to juveniles, which would be provided to communities most impacted by the violence.
State Sen. Paul Moriarty, D-Gloucester, was a leading sponsor of the bill Murphy vetoed. The long-time legislator said in March he felt the bill garnered enough bipartisan support to reach the governor’s desk.
Moriarty on Thursday accepted the conditional veto, believing it would return to the governor’s desk quickly. Meanwhile, both chambers are prioritizing the state’s budget.
“I think we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Moriarty told NJ Advance Media. “We will have several voting sessions this month.” The senator said he didn’t consider Murphy’s veto “a big deal.”
Stories by Eric Conklin
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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.