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 by unlawful taking under N.J.S.A.2C:20-3 is a theft offense that is graded by the value of the property taken. Package theft from residences is a crime punishable under N.J.S.A.2C:20-3 as an unlawful taking offense. This bill increases the penalties for unlawful taking when that taking targets a package delivered to a residential property by any cargo carrier. "Cargo carrier" is defined broadly in subsection w. of N.J.S.2C:20-1. Under the bill, a person who commits theft by taking a package delivered to a residential property by any cargo carrier shall be guilty of a fourth degree crime if the amount taken does not exceed $200. If the amount taken exceeds $200, the person shall be guilty of a crime one degree higher than the underlying offense. Additionally the bill provides in new subsection d. that restitution shall be ordered in these cases. Presently it is a permissible option for the sentencing judge in any criminal offense. It is the sponsor's view that while theft of packages may be more commonplace during the holiday shopping season, it is a serious crime that can result not only in the loss of gifts that are ordered but also in the potential loss of medication, legal documents and other important items delivered to homes, and thus warrants more stringent penalties than other types of theft by unlawful taking offenses.
AI Summary
This bill amends New Jersey law concerning theft by unlawful taking, specifically targeting the theft of packages delivered to residential properties. Currently, theft is graded based on the value of the property stolen, and package theft falls under this general category. However, this bill introduces new provisions that increase the penalties for stealing packages delivered by any "cargo carrier," a term broadly defined to include various delivery services. Under the bill, if the value of the stolen package does not exceed $200, the offense becomes a fourth-degree crime. If the value exceeds $200, the crime is elevated one degree higher than it would have been under the original theft offense. Furthermore, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of this specific type of package theft must be ordered to pay restitution to the victim, which is currently an optional penalty for judges in criminal cases. The sponsor's intent is to address the seriousness of package theft, which can result in the loss of not only gifts but also essential items like medication and legal documents, by imposing more stringent penalties than those for other forms of unlawful taking.
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
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S111 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/111_I1.HTM |
Loading...