Establishes "Stand Your Ground" self-defense law.
This bill (A 867) establishes a "Stand Your Ground" law in New Jersey, removing the duty to retreat when defending one's home or vehicle. It allows individuals to use force (including deadly force) without retreating if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, serious harm, or a violent crime (like assault, robbery, or murder). The law presumes a reasonable fear of danger when someone unlawfully enters a home or vehicle, though this presumption does not apply if the defender is committing a crime or if law enforcement is entering properly. It repeals the existing self-defense law (N.J.S.2C:3-6).
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
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Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
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0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
lower
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Erik Peterson
RRepublican
P
Gerry Scharfenberger
RRepublican
Co
Bob Auth
RRepublican
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