NJ S2509

Amends P.L.2021, c.25 to require proof that a law enforcement officer acted with intent to intimidate or discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, or ethnicity before criminal liability applies for civil rights violations during underage alcohol or cannabis enforcement encounters.

Currently, officers can face criminal liability for deprivation of civil rights during these encounters regardless of discriminatory intent; this bill aligns the standard with other civil rights violations under N.J.S. 2C:30-6.

Officers would still be criminally liable if they engage in prohibited conduct (unlawful searches, improper stops, unjustified force, wrongful arrests) while purposely discriminating against individuals based on protected characteristics.

Violations would continue to be graded as crimes of official deprivation of civil rights under existing statutory classifications.

Sponsored by Senators O'Scanlon (District 13) and Bucco (District 25), pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 legislative session.