S.979

New Jersey S979 amends the bias intimidation statute by removing the victim's perception of the defendant's purpose and replacing it with a.

New Jersey S979 amends the bias intimidation statute by eliminating the provision concerning the victim's perception of the defendant's purpose. This change follows a 2015 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that found the provision unconstitutional. The bill replaces the removed provision with language concerning a "reasonable" victim, similar to that found in the stalking statute. This amendment aims to clarify the criteria for bias intimidation convictions, ensuring they are based on objective standards rather than subjective perceptions.