ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS
COMMITTEE
STATEMENT TO
ASSEMBLY, No. 4532
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
DATED: JUNE 17, 2024
The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee reports
favorably Assembly Bill No. 4532.
As reported by the committee, this bill establishes burglary of a
residence as a separate crime from the crime of burglary pursuant to
N.J.S.A.2C:18-2, thus facilitating the tracking of the crime of
burglary of residential dwellings in this State.
Under the bill, “residential dwelling” is defined as: (1) any
building or structure, though movable or temporary, or a portion
thereof, which serves primarily as a residence for one or more
persons; or (2) any place adapted for overnight accommodation of
persons.
The penalties for burglary of a residence remain the same as
under current law. It is a crime of the third degree to commit a
burglary of a residential dwelling under this bill; except that it is a
crime of the second degree if the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly,
or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict
bodily injury on anyone; (2) is armed with or displays what appear
to be explosives or a deadly weapon; or (3) enters the residential
dwelling while a resident or any other person, other than a person
acting in concert with the actor, is present in the residential
dwelling.
A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years
imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the
second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a
fine of up to $150,000, or both.