S 2404 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Provides for life imprisonment without parole for killing an emergency responder.

This bill (S 2404) amends New Jersey law to require life imprisonment without parole for anyone convicted of murdering an emergency responder (such as EMTs, firefighters, or paramedics) while they are performing official duties or due to their status as a responder. It expands an existing provision that already mandates this sentence for murders of law enforcement officers. The key change adds "emergency responder" to the list of protected individuals under the sentencing rule, replacing the previous 30-year parole eligibility period with a mandatory life sentence. This applies specifically to cases where the victim was engaged in their duties or targeted because of their role.
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
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tony Bucco
Tony Bucco
RRepublican
NJ
25