Bill
Bill > A2145
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 provides that theft of scrap metal from any transportation system under the amount of $75,000 is automatically a crime of the third degree. However, if anyone other than the actor is seriously injured as a result of the theft of scrap metal from any transportation system, then the theft is a crime of the second degree. Under current law, theft is graded as a crime of the second degree if, among other things, the amount involved is $75,000 or more; the property is taken by extortion; or the property is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog in excess of one kilogram. This bill provides that theft of scrap metal from any transportation system that results in any person other than the actor suffering serious bodily injury would be graded as a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment of five to 10 years, up to a $150,000 fine, or both. Under current law, a theft is graded as a crime of the third degree if, among other things, the amount involved is over $500 but less than $75,000; the property stolen is a firearm, boat, vessel, motor vehicle, airplane, domestic companion animal, or horse; or it is from the person of the victim. This bill provides that theft of scrap metal from any transportation system under the amount of $75,000 is automatically a crime of the third degree. In addition, this bill also amends subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1 to eliminate the presumption of nonimprisonment for a first time conviction of the offense. A crime of the third degree is punishable by imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. "Transportation system" is defined in the bill as any public highways, public transportation projects, other transportation projects, and all surface, airborne, and waterborne methods of transportation for the movement of people and goods.
AI Summary
This bill upgrades the crime of theft of scrap metal from any transportation system, which is defined as public highways, public transportation projects, other transportation projects, and all surface, airborne, and waterborne methods of transportation for people and goods. If the value of the stolen scrap metal is less than $75,000, the theft is automatically a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. This also removes the presumption of non-imprisonment for a first-time conviction of this offense. However, if anyone other than the person committing the theft is seriously injured as a result, the crime is elevated to a second-degree offense, carrying a penalty of five to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000. This contrasts with current law where theft is a second-degree crime if the amount is $75,000 or more, or if it involves extortion or a significant quantity of controlled substances, and a third-degree crime if the amount is between $500 and $75,000, or if it's taken from a person, among other circumstances.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities 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/A2145 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2145_I1.HTM |
Loading...