Bill Text: NJ SJR27 | 2010-2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges AG to study use of broadcast media on certain occasions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-02-11 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee [SJR27 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2010-SJR27-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator JEFF VAN DREW
District 1 (Cape May, Atlantic and Cumberland)
SYNOPSIS
Urges AG to study use of broadcast media on certain occasions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution urging the Attorney General to study the feasibility of using various public awareness methods to apprehend hit and run drivers.
Whereas, Hit and run fatalities leave grieving families and friends without any sense of closure, further adding to the tragedy of suddenly losing a loved one; and
Whereas, The rapid dissemination of information concerning the whereabouts and a description of a fleeing car can serve to increase the chance of a hit and run suspect being apprehended; and
Whereas, Public alerts can be one of the most effective ways to engage citizens as the eyes and ears of law enforcement, serving to quickly assist law enforcement and locate a driver fleeing the scene of a crime; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey is dedicated to superior law enforcement; and
Whereas, Since public alerts systems, such as Amber Alert are currently in place in the State of New Jersey, the Attorney General is encouraged to investigate utilizing these mediums to alert the public to a vehicle fleeing a hit and run accident; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Attorney General is urged to undertake a study of the feasibility of utilizing broadcast media and other public alert systems in the event of a hit and run involving a fatality.
2. The Attorney General shall review his findings and shall prepare, within one year and six months after the filing of this resolution, a report containing his findings and any recommended legislation. The Attorney General shall file this report with the Governor and the Legislature.
3. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and the President of the Senate and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly and the Secretary of Senate, shall be transmitted to the Attorney General, and the chief law enforcement officer of each municipality in the State.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution urges the Attorney General to undertake a study of the feasibility of utilizing broadcast media and other public alert systems in the event of a hit and run involving a fatality. The Attorney General is instructed to review the findings and prepare a report, including any recommended legislation, for submission to the Governor and the Legislature.
This resolution was drafted in response to an unresolved hit and run fatality which took place on November 14, 2003. It is the sponsor's belief that an alert system can aid in the apprehension of fleeing suspects.
