Bill

Bill > A3239


NJ A3239

NJ A3239
Limits negotiated plea agreements for crime of burglary when firearm involved.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits the prosecution from entering into a plea agreement for a lesser term of imprisonment or fine for the crime of burglary when a firearm is involved. Under current law, it is a crime of the second degree if, in the course of committing the offense of burglary, the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; or (2) is armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon. Under the bill, a person convicted of burglary while armed with a firearm would be ineligible to enter into a negotiated plea agreement to receive a lesser term of imprisonment or a fine. "Firearm" is defined as any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. "Firearm" also includes, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person.

AI Summary

This bill amends the law regarding burglary to prevent prosecutors from offering reduced sentences or fines in plea agreements for burglary offenses where a firearm was used. Specifically, if someone is convicted of burglary and was armed with a firearm during the commission of the crime, they will no longer be eligible for a negotiated plea that results in a lesser term of imprisonment or a reduced fine. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include various types of guns, including air guns and spring guns, that can project a projectile with enough force to injure a person, and clarifies that this restriction applies when the firearm is used in the course of committing the burglary offense, which includes attempts and immediate flight.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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