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Bill

Bill

S 887

Lowers monetary threshold for certain motor vehicle theft to constitute second degree crime.

2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey bill reduces the dollar threshold for vehicle theft to qualify as a second-degree felony, increasing penalties for more theft cases.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 887

Legislative bill overview

S 887 lowers the monetary threshold at which motor vehicle theft becomes a second-degree crime in New Jersey. Currently, vehicle theft must meet a certain dollar value to qualify as second-degree; this bill reduces that threshold, making more vehicle thefts prosecutable as the more serious second-degree offense rather than third-degree.

Why is this important

Motor vehicle theft is a significant property crime affecting insurance costs, public safety, and victim losses. Lowering the threshold changes sentencing exposure for offenders and signals legislative intent to treat vehicle theft more seriously. This could impact both prosecution strategies and the criminal records of defendants charged under the new standard.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic threshold debate: Disagreement over what dollar value appropriately distinguishes second from third-degree theft; lowering it may affect first-time or low-value theft offenders more harshly
  • Prosecutorial discretion: Questions about whether lower thresholds lead to inconsistent charging practices across different counties or prosecutors
  • Criminal justice equity: Concerns that lowering thresholds disproportionately impacts lower-income individuals who steal lower-value vehicles or are involved in joyriding versus professional theft rings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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