New Jersey Senate Bill S2795

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/22
• Refer: 6/6/22

Caption

Establishes three-year pilot program encouraging development of nonlethal weapons.

Impact

The implementation of S2795 will lead to the establishment of the 'Non-Lethal Weapons Innovation Fund,' which will be allocated $3,000,000 from the General Fund. This funding is intended to support grant awards made under the pilot program while also covering the administrative costs associated with program implementation. The creation of this fund represents a significant investment in evolving law enforcement practices, potentially reducing incidents of fatal police confrontations by prioritizing non-lethal options.

Summary

Senate Bill S2795 establishes a three-year pilot program aimed at encouraging the development of non-lethal weapons for law enforcement purposes in New Jersey. This legislation mandates the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Secretary of Higher Education, to create and oversee the pilot program, which will grant up to $1,000,000 to selected institutions of higher education that demonstrate plans for research and development of non-lethal weaponry. A limit of three institutions will be chosen for funding based on their proposals, with priority given to those partnering with private sector companies.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the definitions and applications of non-lethal weapons. Critics could express concerns about the efficacy and moral implications of deploying such technology in law enforcement. Additionally, the bill outlines the formation of a technical review committee comprising diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement, social justice advocates, and medical professionals, which may help mitigate public scrutiny, but could also raise questions about bias and representation in those deliberations.