Bill
Bill > A842
NJ A842
NJ A842Elevates the degree of desecration offense based upon the pecuniary loss; adds desecration to bias intimidation statute.
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
At present, it is a disorderly persons offense to purposely desecrate any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial without regard to the amount of pecuniary loss. This bill would elevate the degree of the offense based upon the pecuniary loss caused by the desecration. Under the bill, desecration of venerated objects is a crime of the third degree if the actor causes pecuniary loss in excess of $2,000.00. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. It is a crime of the fourth degree if the actor causes pecuniary loss in excess of $500.00 but less than $2,000.00. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. It is a disorderly persons offense if the actor causes pecuniary loss of $500.00 or less. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill would further make desecration of venerated objects a bias intimidation offense, which, if the requisite condition is established, is graded one degree higher than the underlying offense.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the existing law regarding the desecration of venerated objects, which currently is a disorderly persons offense regardless of the financial damage caused. The proposed changes would elevate the severity of this offense based on the amount of "pecuniary loss," meaning the monetary damage resulting from the desecration. Specifically, if the damage exceeds $2,000, it becomes a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine; if the damage is between $500 and $2,000, it becomes a fourth-degree crime, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine; and if the damage is $500 or less, it remains a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Furthermore, the bill adds desecration of venerated objects to the state's bias intimidation statute, meaning that if the desecration is motivated by prejudice against a protected group (such as race, religion, or sexual orientation), the offense can be graded one degree higher than it would otherwise be.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A842 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/842_I1.HTM |
Loading...