Amends statute that criminalizes display of symbols, objects, or graffiti exposing another to threats of violence to specifically include noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate.

S3997

SENATE, No. 3997

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MARCH 19, 2026

Sponsored by:

Senator� ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT

District 31 (Hudson)

SYNOPSIS

���� Amends statute that criminalizes display of symbols,
objects, or graffiti exposing another to threats of violence to specifically
include noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

An Act
concerning hate crimes and amending
P.L.1981,
c.282
.

����
Be It
Enacted
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� Section 1 of P.L.1981,
c.282 (C.2C:33‑10) is amended to read as follows:

���� 1.��� A person is guilty of a
crime of the third degree if he purposely, knowingly or recklessly puts or
attempts to put another in fear of bodily violence by placing on private
property of another a symbol, an object, a characterization, an appellation or
graffiti that exposes another to threats of violence
, including but not
limited to a noose, burning cross, or

other symbol of hate, including
but not limited to a symbol of white supremacy or Nazi

ideology
.� A
person shall not be guilty of an attempt unless his actions cause a serious and
imminent likelihood of causing fear of unlawful bodily violence.

���� A person convicted of an
offense under this section that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to
any other penalty imposed by the court, be required either to pay to the owner
of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of the pecuniary
damage caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community service, which
shall include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate.� If
community service is ordered, it shall be for either not less than 20 days nor
less than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the
property.

(cf: P.L.1995, c.251, s.2)

���� 2.��� Section 2 of P.L.1981,
c.282 (C.2C:33-11) is amended to read as follows:

���� 2.��� A person is guilty of a
crime of the fourth degree if he purposely defaces or damages, without
authorization of the owner or tenant, any private premises or property
primarily used for religious, educational, residential, memorial, charitable,
or cemetery purposes, or for assembly by persons for purpose of exercising any
right guaranteed by law or by the Constitution of this State or of the United
States by placing thereon a symbol, an object, a characterization, an
appellation, or graffiti that exposes another to threat of violence
, including
but not limited to a noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate, including
but not limited to a symbol of white supremacy or Nazi ideology
.

���� A person convicted of an
offense under this section that involves an act of graffiti may, in addition to
any other penalty imposed by the court, be required either to pay to the owner
of the damaged property monetary restitution in the amount of pecuniary damage
caused by the act of graffiti or to perform community service, which shall
include removing the graffiti from the property, if appropriate.� If community
service is ordered, it shall be for either not less than 20 days or not less
than the number of days necessary to remove the graffiti from the property.

(cf: P.L.1995, c.251, s.3)

���� 3.��� This act shall take
effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� Under section 1 of P.L.1981,
c.282 (C.2C:33‑10), it is a crime of the third degree to purposely,
knowingly or recklessly put or attempt to put another in fear of bodily
violence by placing on private property of another a symbol, an object, a
characterization, an appellation or graffiti that exposes another to threats of
violence.� Under section 2 of P.L.1981, c.282 (C.2C:33-11), it is a crime of
the fourth degree to purposely deface or damage, without authorization of the
owner or tenant, any private premises or property primarily used for religious,
educational, residential, memorial, charitable, or cemetery purposes, or for
assembly by persons for purpose of exercising any right guaranteed by law or by
the Constitution by placing thereon a symbol, an object, a characterization, an
appellation, or graffiti that exposes another to threat of violence.�

���� This bill would amend both
statutes to provide that �a symbol, object, characterization, appellation or
graffiti that exposes another to threats of violence� specifically includes,
but is not limited to a noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate, including
but not limited to a symbol of white supremacy or Nazi ideology.�

���� �A crime of the third degree
is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years or a fine up to
$15,000, or both.� A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of
imprisonment of up to 18 months or a fine up to $10,000, or both.