Bill
A 1504
Grants loss-based grading for desecration of venerated objects and allows bias-intimidation enhancements when the act targets protected classes.
Note on title discrepancy
- The bill information provided lists the short title “Removes the requirement that rent arrears be repaid,” but the text of A1504 (introduced version) amends criminal statutes regarding the desecration of venerated objects and the State’s bias-intimidation law. This summary describes the actual statutory changes in the bill text (desecration and bias-intimidation), not the incorrect short title.
Purpose and intent
- To change how the offense of “desecration of venerated objects” is graded based on the amount of pecuniary loss caused and to make desecration explicitly eligible for bias‑intimidation enhancement when the act targets a protected class.
Statutes amended
- N.J.S.2C:33-9 (Desecration of venerated objects)
- N.J.S.2C:16-1 (Bias intimidation)
Key provisions and changes
- Grading by pecuniary loss (N.J.S.2C:33-9)
- Third‑degree crime if pecuniary loss exceeds $2,000.
- Penalties: up to 5 years imprisonment, fine up to $15,000, or both.
- Fourth‑degree crime if loss exceeds $500 but is less than $2,000.
- Penalties: up to 18 months imprisonment, fine up to $10,000, or both.
- Disorderly persons offense if loss is $500 or less.
- Penalties: up to 6 months imprisonment, fine up to $1,000, or both.
- “Desecrate” continues to mean defacing, damaging, or polluting public monuments, insignia, symbols, structures, places of worship, or burial sites.
Who or what would be affected
- Individuals who damage or deface public monuments, religious sites, burial places, or other listed venerated objects — prosecutors, defense counsel, judges, and victims.
- Cases involving property loss from desecration could carry substantially higher criminal grades and penalties when the pecuniary loss exceeds the stated thresholds.
- Desecration acts motivated by bias against protected characteristics (race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, disability, etc.) may receive enhanced penalties under the bias‑intimidation statute.
Procedural / timeline notes
- Introduced in the Assembly: January 9, 2024; referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee.
- Additional referrals to Social Services noted (January 10, 2025).
- Amendments and recommitment to Social Services and Print Number 1504A recorded May 15, 2025.
- The bill states it would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Sponsors and related legislation
- Sponsors: Linda Rosenthal (primary), Maritza Davila (cosponsor).
- Companion bill: S1458.
- Prior‑session related bills: A7048, A5514.
Potential impact
- Raises criminal exposure for more serious instances of desecration by tying grading to monetary loss.
- Enables prosecutors to seek bias‑intimidation enhancements in cases where desecration targets protected groups, increasing sentencing exposure and permitting ancillary remedies (training, counseling, community payments).
- Does not change the definition of desecration beyond grading and bias treatment; does not itself alter restitution rules.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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