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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill upgrades auto theft connected to home invasion or residential burglary to first or second-degree crimes
Last action · January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary CommitteeSponsors: Flynn, Victoria A. and 3 others
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What This Bill Would Do
The New Jersey bill increases criminal penalties for motor vehicle theft when the theft occurs during a home invasion or residential burglary, making it a first-degree or second-degree crime respectively. Under the measure, a conviction for auto theft will not merge with a conviction for home invasion or residential burglary for sentencing purposes. The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.
People convicted of auto theft during a residential break-in face longer prison sentences and heavier financial penalties, altering the maximum penalties prosecutors can seek and judges can impose.
- New Jersey classifies crimes into degrees, with first-degree crimes carrying the most severe penalties of imprisonment and fines. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
individuals convicted of auto theft
Individuals convicted of auto theft face harsher criminal penalties and longer prison sentences if the theft occurs during a home invasion or residential burglary.
prosecutors and judges
Prosecutors and judges handle auto theft cases under higher degree classifications and apply non-merger sentencing rules for combined offenses.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalty does someone face if auto theft happens during a residential burglary?
Does a conviction for auto theft combine with a home invasion conviction under this bill?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 13, 2026HouseIntroducedIntroduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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