Bill > S1888

Introduced Session

This bill would increase the penalties for identity theft in cases when the victim is a senior citizen or veteran. Under the bill, the penalties would be increased as follows:· If the offense only involves one victim, and a senior citizen or a veteran is deprived of an amount less than $500, a first offense would constitute a crime of the third degree, rather than fourth degree, and a second or subsequent offense would constitute a crime of the second degree, rather than third degree;· If there are two to five victims or the actor obtains a benefit of $500 to $75,000, and any of the victims is a senior citizen or a veteran, the offense would constitute a crime of the second degree, rather than the third degree; and· If there are more than five victims or the actor obtains a benefit of $75,000 or more, any of the victims is a senior citizen or a veteran, the offense would constitute a crime of the first degree, rather than the second degree. Similarly, for crimes of trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, this bill would increase penalties as follows:· If the offense only involves one piece of information and that information was obtained through records owned or maintained by a continuing care retirement community, nursing home, retirement community, or veterans' facility, the offense would constitute a crime of the third degree, rather than the fourth degree;· If the offense involves 20 or more pieces of information and that information was obtained through records owned or maintained by a continuing care retirement community, nursing home, retirement community, or veterans' facility, the offense would constitute a crime of the second degree, rather than third degree;· If the offense only involves 50 or more pieces of information and that information was obtained through records owned or maintained by a continuing care retirement community, nursing home, retirement community, or veterans' facility, the offense would constitute a crime of the first degree, rather than second degree. A crime in the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both. A crime in the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both, and a crime in the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime in the first degree is punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.

Committee Categories

Carmen Amato (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document