In response to Governor Murphy signing into law bills that prohibit police officers from notifying parents of juveniles about their possession or consumption of marijuana or alcohol, New Jersey lawmakers are sponsoring legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to notify the minor’s parent or guardian in writing.
Republicans have vehemently opposed the bill passed by Democrats and signed into law by Governor Murphy prohibiting police from calling minor’s parents, saying it leaves parents in the dark with regard to their children’s potential drug and substance abuse and thereby places minors at risk of developing an addiction.
“We have heard from hundreds of parents who are extremely concerned that allowing this type of leniency with children can lead them down a dark path and encourage future substance abuse,” stated the 1oth District legislators who co-sponsored the new bill. “Children can make mistakes, but there should always be some form of notice given to a parent or guardian when drugs and alcohol are involved. This bill will address the concerns we’ve heard from parents.”
Senator Anthony Bucco said that he believes there is enough bipartisan support to rectify the obvious pitfall inherent in the bill signed by Governor Murphy.
“Police shouldn’t be prohibited from telling parents that their child was caught engaging in illegal or dangerous activity with drugs or alcohol,” said Bucco. “Thankfully, it appears that both Republicans and Democrats in both houses of the Legislature want to fix this outrageous provision of our law. Governor Murphy apparently is supportive of this fix as well. Given that broad support, there’s no reason to delay action on moving this important legislation forward.”
There are now bills in both the Assembly and Senate to provide a legislative fix to the recently signed law and its passage is likely considering the uproar that has arisen.
Knock, knock
“Who’s there?”
“The Police.”
“What’s the matter?”
“This is regarding your 5 year old.”
“What happened to him?! Is he okay?”
“Oh, he’s fine, he’s just a little bit high.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he was in a bad mood and his Liberal teacher gave him a quick fix of marijuana.”
“What?!!!!!!”
“So we bright him home from school. He needs to sleep it off a bit. Right now, he thinks I’m an elephant.”
“Oh, my! Which teacher is that? Is that Mrs. Libralsky?”
“Yes.”
“Ughhhh! Thanx, officer.”
“Yeah, you owe me a thanx. I could get fired for this.”
“Fired! For this?!!!!!”
“Yep.”
“What is the world coming to?! I’m real angry right now!”
“Would you like a quick fix?”
“A quick fix of marijuana?!!!
“No, whiskey…….”
“Oye, vey…… Gulp….. Thanx.”
Wow! How could such a thing have ever been signed into law; the law should be the opposite that the parents of such kids must be notified. Kids involved with drugs & alcohol not only should their parents be made aware but they should be wearing electronic bracelets on their leg thus every move of theirs should be monitored.
This ridiculous law is only the tip of the iceberg of ridiculous laws now In effect In NJ.
@mutty I’m getting the feeling that you should be excluded from this this parent notification thing