N.J. may become more civil about prosecuting errant smokers
Smokers who violate New Jersey bans on lighting up in a public place are now subject to criminal prosecution. (Wayne Parry/AP Photo)
Smoking in a public place where it has been banned in New Jersey is now a criminal offense. A bill passed by the New Jersey Senate could change that.
Current law requires that violators be fined $200 with the possibility of jail time for a disorderly person’s offense.
Sen. Bob Gordon has sponsored legislation that would give towns the option of imposing the fine as a civil penalty.
“An awful lot of people want to be able to go to a park and not smell cigarette smoke or they want their kids to be able on play a beach without encountering cigarette butts,” said Gordon, D-Bergen. “So we want to enforce these laws in a way that gets the job done without giving people criminal records.”
And that, he said, might lead to stronger enforcement of anti-smoking laws in towns that were reluctant to charge violators with a crime.
The legislation is awaiting action in the Assembly.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
New Jersey to stockpile abortion pills ahead of Trump’s return to office
Gov. Phil Murphy said during his State of the State address that New Jersey will stockpile mifepristone “so every woman can access this crucial form of reproductive care.”
10 hours ago
New Jersey wants to eliminate traffic deaths in the state by 2040
The commission has one year to create “a clear and comprehensive plan” to eliminate serious injuries and deaths on state roads.
22 hours ago
Listen 1:16
2-alarm fire destroys candle business in Salem County, N.J.
Just before 1 a.m., crews responded to A Cheerful Giver, a homemade candle business, on the 300 block of Front Street in Elmer.
4 days ago
