New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A486

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Establishes penalty for withholding identification to hinder apprehension or prosecution.

Impact

The proposed bill presents significant changes to current state law by explicitly including the act of withholding identification as a method of hindering law enforcement actions. Under existing laws, individuals could already face penalties for actions such as providing false information or suppressing evidence. A486 enhances penalties for those who explicitly refuse to provide identifiable information upon arrest, thereby tightening the legal framework around cooperation with law enforcement.

Summary

Assembly Bill A486 introduces new provisions concerning the act of withholding identification from law enforcement officers in an attempt to hinder apprehension or prosecution. The bill specifies that a person is guilty of hindering their own apprehension if they refuse to provide valid identification or their true identity when requested by a law enforcement officer. This amendment aims to strengthen law enforcement's ability to effectively apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly in cases of motor vehicle and insurance fraud.

Contention

There are potential contentions surrounding this bill, as critics may argue that it raises concerns over personal freedoms and the right to refuse identification under certain conditions. Supporters, however, argue that it addresses a loophole that could be exploited by individuals attempting to evade law enforcement, thereby promoting public safety. The bill aims to ensure that law enforcement officials can carry out their duties without obstruction, which can otherwise lead to complications in criminal investigation and prosecution.

Companion Bills

NJ S300

Carry Over Establishes penalty for withholding identification to hinder apprehension or prosecution.

NJ A5023

Carry Over Establishes penalty for withholding identification to hinder apprehension or prosecution.

NJ S422

Same As Establishes penalty for withholding identification to hinder apprehension or prosecution.

Similar Bills

NJ S422

Establishes penalty for withholding identification to hinder apprehension or prosecution.

NJ S933

Imposes criminal penalties for harboring aliens who have outstanding warrants and are unlawfully present in U.S.

NJ A213

Imposes criminal penalties for harboring aliens who have outstanding warrants and are unlawfully present in U.S.

LA HB303

Creates the Fugitive Apprehension Unit within the office of the attorney general (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

NJ A835

Increases penalty for harboring or concealing certain sex offenders.

MI HB4993

Housing: landlord and tenants; notice requirements for early lease termination for certain victims of violence; expand. Amends sec. 1b of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601b).

NJ S2163

Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.

NJ A1343

Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.