Bill
Bill > A3201
NJ A3201
NJ A3201Increases penalties for certain criminal offenses committed against elderly and persons with disability.
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 a gradation of criminal offenses, ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the second degree, for crimes committed against disabled adults and persons 60 years of age or older. Currently, section 1 of P.L.1989, c.23 (C.2C:24-8) makes it a crime of the third degree for a person having a legal duty to care for a person 60 years of age or older or a disabled adult to unreasonably neglect to do, or fail to permit to be done, any act necessary for the physical or mental health of the disabled adult. Under the bill, it would be a disorderly persons offense under section 1 of P.L.1989, c.23 (C.2C:24-8) to knowingly act in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a person 60 years of age or older or a disabled adult. The bill makes it a crime of the fourth degree if the actor has a legal duty to care for, or has assumed continuing responsibility for the care of, a person 60 years of age or older, or a disabled adult, and knowingly acts in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of that person. The bill also provides that if an actor has a legal duty to care for, or responsibility for the care of, a person 60 years of age or older or a disabled adult, and causes such person harm that would make him abused or neglected, the actor would be guilty of a crime of the second degree. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Crimes of the fourth degree are punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. 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 five to 10 years, a fine up to $150,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a tiered system of penalties for crimes committed against elderly individuals (60 years or older) and disabled adults, increasing the severity of offenses based on the actor's responsibility and the harm caused. Specifically, knowingly acting in a way that could harm the physical, mental, or moral welfare of such individuals is now a disorderly persons offense, which carries a penalty of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. If the actor has a legal duty to care for or has assumed responsibility for the care of the vulnerable person and knowingly acts in a harmful manner, it becomes a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill elevates the offense to a second-degree crime, punishable by five to ten years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine, if the actor with a caregiving duty or responsibility causes harm that constitutes abuse or neglect. This legislation amends existing law, which previously classified neglect by a caregiver as a third-degree crime, to create these new, more specific categories and penalties.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness 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/A3201 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3201_I1.HTM |
Loading...