Bill
Bill > S887
NJ S887
NJ S887Lowers monetary threshold for certain motor vehicle theft to constitute second degree crime.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Currently, theft offenses are graded based primarily on the value of the item involved or, for second and third degree crimes, graded by the attendant circumstances or category. Thus, a theft is graded as a crime of the second degree crime if the amount involved is $75,000 or more. A theft is graded as a crime of the third degree if the amount involved exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000. A theft is graded as a crime of the fourth degree if the amount involved is at least $200 but does not exceed $500. This bill would lower the monetary threshold for motor vehicle theft to constitute a crime of the second degree. Currently, theft of a motor vehicle is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, a motor vehicle valued at $25,000 or more would be a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A motor vehicle valued at less than $25,000 would remain a crime of the third degree.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to reclassify the theft of a motor vehicle as a second-degree crime if its value is $25,000 or more, whereas previously, motor vehicle theft was generally considered a third-degree crime. A third-degree crime carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while a second-degree crime, which this bill would establish for higher-value vehicle thefts, can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. The bill clarifies that motor vehicles valued under $25,000 will continue to be treated as third-degree crimes. This change aims to increase the severity of penalties for the theft of more valuable vehicles, reflecting a shift in how such offenses are categorized and punished.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S887 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/887_I1.HTM |
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