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Bill > S2040
NJ S2040
NJ S2040Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.
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
This bill establishes penalties for operating an unmanned aircraft system in the furtherance of a commission of an offense or a crime. Under the bill, a person commits a crime of the fourth degree if the person operates an unmanned aircraft system to further the commission of a petty disorderly persons offense or a disorderly persons offense. For any other offense, the crime is graded one degree higher than the underlying offense for which the unmanned aircraft system was used to attempt or commit. The bill also requires the forfeiture of an unmanned aircraft system used to further a crime upon conviction.
AI Summary
This bill establishes penalties for using an unmanned aircraft system, commonly known as a drone, to help commit a crime. Specifically, if a drone is used to further a minor offense like a petty disorderly persons offense or a disorderly persons offense, the drone operator will be charged with a fourth-degree crime. For more serious underlying offenses, the drone-related charge will be one degree higher than the original crime. The bill also mandates the forfeiture of any drone, its controller, or associated digital devices used in the commission of a crime upon conviction.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety 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/S2040 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2040_I1.HTM |
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