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Bill > A405
NJ A405
NJ A405Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.
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 upgrades the degree of crime of auto theft when it is committed in connection with a home invasion or residential burglary. Under current law, auto theft is a crime of the third degree, but is upgraded to a crime of the second degree if multiple vehicles are involved or if the value of the vehicle is $75,000 or more. Under the bill, auto theft would also be a crime of the second degree if it is committed in connection with a residential burglary. Auto theft would become a crime of the first degree if it is committed in connection with a home invasion burglary, which is typically a residential burglary involving bodily injury or the use of a weapon. Additionally, for sentencing purposes, a conviction for auto theft would not merge with a conviction for home invasion or residential burglary. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill elevates the severity of auto theft charges when connected to residential burglaries, making auto theft a second-degree crime if it occurs during a residential burglary, which is a burglary of a home. If the auto theft happens during a home invasion burglary, defined as a residential burglary involving injury or a weapon, it becomes a first-degree crime. Currently, auto theft is a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison, but it can be upgraded to a second-degree crime (five to 10 years in prison) if multiple vehicles are stolen or if a single vehicle is valued at $75,000 or more. The bill also clarifies that a conviction for auto theft will not be combined with a conviction for the associated burglary, meaning separate penalties can be imposed for each crime.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A405 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/405_I1.HTM |
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