New Jersey lawmakers introduce package of bills that would enforce harsher penalties for unruly teens — and their parents

SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The unofficial start of the summer has already been met by dozens of instances of disorderly conduct across South Jersey, notably by juveniles.

Earlier this month, the Gloucester Township Day event was interrupted by multiple brawls among hundreds of young people. Nearly two dozen were arrested, including several teens.

New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a package of bills to crack down on teens who start fights and cause chaos at such large public events. These three proposed bills aim to increase penalties for kids — and their parents. The bills would create new laws for inciting a brawl, and enforce fines of up to $1,000 and possibly require community service for kids and their parents.

“We have to do something to get ahead of it,” said Assemblyman Dan Hutchinson. “To any of the young people who choose to engage in the events we saw here, or on the boardwalks of Wildwood and Ocean City , or at church carnivals in Washington Township or Monroe Township, you are putting law enforcement in danger. You are putting families in danger. You are putting yourself in danger.”

Gloucester Township recently announced new teen curfews — 10 p.m. on weekdays, 11 p.m. on weekends — to limit troublemakers from gathering late at night. But Assemblyman Cody Miller said legislators can’t legislate everything, so it is crucial that “children have a strong family structure at home.”

“We will work with some of our local nonprofit organizations to ensure that children that maybe don’t have that support structure at home get the resources and mentorship that they need,” he said. “We are committed to ensure these events can continue to happen and that you can feel safe attending them.”

In addition to increased penalties for bad behavior, the new laws would also give police more resources to monitor social media and training to be better equipped when a situation does get out of hand.

The bills are not expected to advance until the fall though, as legislators will soon recess for the summer.