Beach Bill to Expand Crime of Terrorism Goes to Governor

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator James Beach, which would expand what qualifies as terrorism, was sent to the Governor today.

“In New Jersey, bias incidences increased by 32 percent between 2016 and 2017,” said Senator Beach (D-Burlington/Camden). “Just last month we saw disturbing anti-Semitic violence in Jersey City and across the border in Monsey, New York. For the safety of our state, we must hold everyone responsible for terrorist acts accountable, which means both the people who carried out the violence as well as those who incited action.”

The bill, S-1709, would provide that influencing or inciting an act of terror against an individual or group based on their, actual or perceived, race, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected under the state Law Against Discrimination, would be considered terrorism if the underlying crime is a crime of the first or second degree.

The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 31-0.