“Death with Dignity” bills (A-3328 and S-2259) currently pending in New Jersey)
ANALYSIS of A-3328
(3/22/13)
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Current N. J. Law
A person who purposely aids another to commit suicide is guilty of a crime of the second degree if his conduct causes such suicide or an attempted suicide, and otherwise of a crime of the fourth degree. N.J. Statute Sec. 2C:11-6.
Background
On September 27, 2012, Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (Democrat, District 3) introduced A3328. His bill, the “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act” mirrors Oregon’s and Washington’s doctor-prescribed suicide laws, also called “Death with Dignity” laws. On October 15, 2012, Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (Democrat, District 22) and Senator Joseph F. Vitale (Democrat, District 19) introduced the Senate version of the bill.
If passed by the New Jersey legislature, the Act, as now written, would have to be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election to be held at least 70 days following the date of its enactment. However, Assemblyman Burzichelli has indicated that he may amend the bill so that it does not require voter approval.
If approved by the voters, the act would take effect on the first day of the third month following voter approval.
Text of A-3328, Assembly version of “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act”
Text of S-2259, Senate version of “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act”
Articles:
“General Practitioner Opposes New Jersey’s Death with Dignity Act”
(NJTV — March 28, 2013)
Dr. Ann Gomes said, “Anyone can pick up that prescription. Who’s going to be monitoring that medication? It can get in the wrong hands. Children at home.”
“Begin debate on life, death”
(Ashbury Park Press — February 11, 2013)
[Claudia] Burzichelli was in Trenton offering emotional testimony in support of legislation, the Death with Dignity Act (A-3328) sponsored by her brother-in-law, Democratic Assemblyman John Burzichelli. The bill, cleared by a 7-2 vote in the Health and Senior Services Committee, now heads to the full Assembly for a vote. The bill has yet to be moved out of a Senate committee. Before the question appears on the ballot, the bill would have to be passed by a three-fifths majority in both houses.
“N. J. Assembly panel approves ‘Death with Dignity Act”
(Star Ledger — February 7, 2013)
The NJ Assembly Health Committee has passed the “New Jersey Death with Dignity Act (A3328). The committee voted 7-2 with two abstentions to approve the bill which now goes to the full 80-membar Assembly.
“Assisted Suicide for the Terminally Ill Gets Support from N.J. Legislators”|
(New Jersey Law Journal — October 9, 2012)
New Jersey legislators are pushing for adoption of a law that would make New Jersey the third state, after Oregon and Washington, to allow assisted suicide…
Although the bill in its current form calls for a referendum on assisted suicide, Burzichelli says he intends to strike that requirement…
“Controversial law would allow terminally ill patients to decide when it’s time to die”
(NJ.com –Star Ledger — September 27, 2012)
This appears to be the first time a lawmaker in New Jersey has proposed such a measure, said Peter Mazzi, a librarian for the Office of Legislative Services. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) who decides which bills get posted for a vote in the lawer house, signaled she would review the legislation.
