After more than 70 arrests in Seaside Heights, lawmakers say they hope they can finally pass a bill written months ago that takes on the promoters of pop-up parties – with possible huge fines and state prison time.

Far away from the sunny beaches, an incident last June prompted state Assembly Member Dan Hutchison to create what’s known as the “Public Brawl Bill.” Similar to the chaos seen in Seaside Heights and Woodbridge, it began with an organizer posting on social media encouraging young people to show up and party.

“They ruined Gloucester Township Day, these young people organizing and promoting these events,” says Hutchison, a Democrat representing parts of Atlantic, Camden and Gloucester counties. “If you’re going to hide behind your keyboard, you’re going to put up something on social media to get a bunch of young kids to congregate and do bad things, then you’re going to be held responsible.”

The Public Brawl Bill:

This initial bill was vetoed by Gov. Phil Murphy earlier this month due to what were said to be constitutional First Amendment issues. The revamped version already passed the state Assembly and awaits the state Senate’s approval.

State Assembly Member Paul Kanitra, who is also a former Point Pleasant Beach mayor, jumped on board as a sponsor of the bill.

“We got here in the first place because of vague laws that were meant to pander, that were overly politically correct,” says the Republican lawmaker, whose district covers parts of coastal Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Kanitra has long called for tougher penalties on those who start and take part in these gatherings.

“Start putting law-abiding citizens above those who are meant to cause chaos,” Kanitra says.

“If you wear a mask and you participate in one of these brawls, that’s an additional offense. My hope is that the governor will recognize the Legislature acted on his interests and signs it right away,” adds Hutchison.

Hutchison says additional legislation is in the works that would hold parents responsible. The hope now is to get this bill approved by the state Senate and signed before the July 4 holiday.

News 12 reached out to the governor for his reaction, but he declined to comment.