An Act concerning burglary of residential dwellings, supplementing Title 2C of the Revised Statutes, and amending various parts of the statutory law.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. (New section) a. A person is guilty of home invasion burglary if, with purpose to commit an offense therein or thereon, the person, without license or privilege to do so, enters or surreptitiously remains in a residential dwelling or accommodation, or a separately secured portion thereof, and in the course of committing the offense, the person:

(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 appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon.

b. Home invasion burglary is a crime of the second degree, subject to sentencing pursuant to P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2 et al.).

c. An act shall be deemed "in the course of committing" an offense if it occurs in an attempt to commit an offense or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission.

2. (New section) a. A person is guilty of residential burglary if, with purpose to commit an offense therein or thereon, the person:

(1) enters a residential dwelling or accommodation, or a separately secured portion thereof, unless the actor is licensed or privileged to enter; or

(2) surreptitiously remains in a residential dwelling or accommodation, or a separately secured portion thereof, knowing that the actor is not licensed or privileged to do so.

b. Residential burglary is a crime of the third degree.

c. For the purposes of subsection a. of this section, it shall not be an element of the offense that the actor knew that any other person was present in the residential dwelling or accommodation when the actor entered or surreptitiously remained therein, and it shall not be a defense that the actor did not know that any other person was present in the residential dwelling or accommodation when the actor entered or surreptitiously remained therein.

3. Section 1 of P.L.2015, c.89 (C.2A:4A-26.1) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. A prosecutor seeking waiver of jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case by the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part to an appropriate court and prosecuting authority without the consent of the juvenile shall file a motion within 60 days after the receipt of the complaint, which time may be extended for good cause shown. The motion shall be accompanied by a written statement of reasons clearly setting forth the facts used in assessing all factors contained in paragraph (3) of subsection c. of this section, together with an explanation as to how evaluation of those facts support waiver for each particular juvenile.

b. At a hearing, the court shall receive the evidence offered by the State and by the juvenile. The State shall provide proof to satisfy the requirements set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection c. of this section. The court also shall review whether the State considered the factors set forth in paragraph (3) of subsection c. of this section.

c. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the court shall waive jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case without the juvenile's consent and shall refer the case to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority having jurisdiction if:

(1) The juvenile was 15 years of age or older at the time of the alleged delinquent act; and

(2) There is probable cause to believe that the juvenile committed a delinquent act which if committed by an adult would constitute:

(a) criminal homicide, other than death by auto;

(b) strict liability for drug-induced deaths;

(d) carjacking;

(e) aggravated sexual assault;

(f) sexual assault;

(g) second degree aggravated assault;

(h) kidnapping;

(i) aggravated arson;

(j) possession of a firearm with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person of another under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-4, or possession of a firearm while committing or attempting to commit, including the immediate flight therefrom, aggravated assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, burglary, home invasion burglary, residential burglary, or escape;

(k) a violation of N.J.S.2C:35-3 (Leader of a Narcotics Trafficking Network);

(l) a violation of N.J.S.2C:35-4 (Maintaining and Operating a CDS Production Facility);

(m) a violation of section 1 of P.L.1998, c.26 (C.2C:39-4.1) (Weapons Possession while Committing certain CDS Offenses);

(n) an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the crimes enumerated in subparagraphs (a) through (m) of this paragraph; or

(o) a crime committed at a time when the juvenile previously had been sentenced and confined in an adult correctional facility.

(3) The court may deny a motion by the prosecutor to waive jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case if it is clearly convinced that the prosecutor abused his discretion in considering the following factors in deciding whether to seek a waiver:

(a) The nature and circumstances of the offense charged;

(b) Whether the offense was against a person or property, allocating more weight for crimes against the person;

(d) Age and maturity of the juvenile;

(e) Any classification that the juvenile is eligible for special education to the extent this information is provided to the prosecution by the juvenile or by the court;

(f) Degree of criminal sophistication exhibited by the juvenile;

(g) Nature and extent of any prior history of delinquency of the juvenile and dispositions imposed for those adjudications;

(h) If the juvenile previously served a custodial disposition in a State juvenile facility operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission, and the response of the juvenile to the programs provided at the facility to the extent this information is provided to the prosecution by the Juvenile Justice Commission;

(i) Current or prior involvement of the juvenile with child welfare agencies;

(j) Evidence of mental health concerns, substance use disorder, or emotional instability of the juvenile to the extent this information is provided to the prosecution by the juvenile or by the court; and

(k) If there is an identifiable victim, the input of the victim or victim's family.

The Attorney General may develop for dissemination to the county prosecutors those guidelines or directives deemed necessary or appropriate to ensure the uniform application of this section throughout the State.

d. An order waiving jurisdiction over a case and referring the case to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority shall specify the alleged act upon which the referral is based and all other delinquent acts charged against the juvenile arising out of or related to the same transaction.

e. Testimony of a juvenile at a hearing to determine referral under this section shall not be admissible for any purpose in any subsequent hearing to determine delinquency or guilt of any offense.

f. Upon waiver of jurisdiction and referral to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority having jurisdiction:

(1) The case shall proceed as if it originated in that court and shall be subject to the sentencing provisions available to that court; provided, however, upon conviction for any offense which is subject to waiver pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection c. of this section, there shall be a presumption that the juvenile shall serve any custodial sentence imposed in a State juvenile facility operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission until the juvenile reaches the age of 21, except that:

(a) a juvenile who has not reached the age of 21 may, in the discretion of the Juvenile Justice Commission, be transferred to the Department of Corrections in accordance with the plan established pursuant to subsection e. of section 7 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-175) and regulations adopted pursuant to that section; and

(b) a juvenile who has reached or exceeds the age of 21 may continue to serve a sentence in a State juvenile facility operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission in the discretion of the Juvenile Justice Commission and if the juvenile so consents; otherwise the juvenile shall serve the remainder of the custodial sentence in a State correctional facility;

(2) If a juvenile is not convicted of an offense set forth in paragraph (2) of subsection c. of this section, a conviction for any other offense shall be deemed a juvenile adjudication and be remanded to the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part for disposition, in accordance with the dispositional options available to that court and all records related to the act of delinquency shall be subject to the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-60);

(3) With the consent of the defense and the prosecutor, at any point in the proceedings subsequent to the decision ordering waiver the court may remand to the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part if it appears that:

(a) the interests of the public and the best interests of the juvenile require access to programs or procedures uniquely available to that court; and

(b) the interests of the public are no longer served by waiver.

g. (1) The Juvenile Justice Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall establish a program to collect, record, and analyze data regarding waiver of jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case by the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part to an appropriate court and prosecuting authority. In furtherance of this program, the Juvenile Justice Commission shall, in cooperation with the Administrative Office of the Courts, Attorney General, and county prosecutors, collect data related to the decision to seek waiver of jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case, which shall include but not be limited to data concerning:

(a) youth demographics, including age, gender, race, and ethnicity;

(b) case characteristics, including the degree of the offense waived, the degree of the offense convicted, and the final court resolution;

(d) waiver rates by race and ethnicity.

(2) The commission shall prepare and publish on its Internet website biennial reports summarizing the data collected, recorded, and analyzed pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(3) The commission shall, pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), biennially prepare and transmit to the Governor and the Legislature the reports required in paragraph (2) of this subsection, along with any recommendations the commission may have for legislation concerning waiver of jurisdiction of juvenile delinquency cases.

(cf: P.L.2023, c.177, s.1)

4. N.J.S.2C:18-1 is amended to read as follows:

2C:18-1. In this chapter, unless a different meaning plainly is required:

"Structure" means any building, room, ship, vessel, car, vehicle or airplane, and also means any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons, or for carrying on business therein, whether or not a person is actually present.

"Utility Company Property" means property; (1) owned by a public utility, as defined in R.S.48:2-13, or by a municipality, county, water district, authority or other public agency, and (2) which is used for the purpose of providing electric, gas or water utility service.

"Operational area" means any portion of a public airport, from which access by the public is prohibited by fences or appropriate signs, and includes runways, taxiways, all ramps, cargo ramps and apron areas, aircraft parking and storage areas, fuel storage areas, maintenance areas, and any other area of a public airport used or intended to be used for landing, takeoff or surface maneuvering of aircraft.

"Sterile area" means a portion of an airport, as set forth in an airport security program approved by the Transportation Security Administration, that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by the Transportation Security Administration, an aircraft operator pursuant to 49 C.F.R. part 1544, or an air carrier pursuant to 49 C.F.R. part 1546, through the screening of persons and property.

"Residential dwelling or accommodation" means a permanent structure intended as and currently being utilized as a residence by a private person or persons, and any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons.

(cf: P.L.2013, c.138, s.1)

5. N.J.S.2C:18-2 is amended to read as follows:

2C:18-2. Burglary. a. Burglary defined. A person is guilty of burglary if, with purpose to commit an offense therein or thereon [he] the person:

(1) Enters a research facility, structure other than a residential dwelling or accommodation, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof unless the structure was at the time open to the public or the actor is licensed or privileged to enter;

(2) Surreptitiously remains in a research facility, structure other than a residential dwelling or accommodation, or a separately secured or occupied portion thereof knowing that [he] the person is not licensed or privileged to do so; or

(3) Trespasses in or upon utility company property where public notice prohibiting trespass is given by conspicuous posting, or fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to exclude intruders.

b. Grading. Burglary is a crime of the second degree if in the course of committing the offense, 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 appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon.

Otherwise burglary is a crime of the third degree. An act shall be deemed "in the course of committing" an offense if it occurs in an attempt to commit an offense or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission.

(cf: P.L.2009, c.283, s.2)

6. Section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. A court imposing a sentence of incarceration for a crime of the first� or second degree enumerated in subsection d. of this section shall fix a minimum term of 85% of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall not be eligible for parole.

b. The minimum term required by subsection a. of this section shall be fixed as a part of every sentence of incarceration imposed upon every conviction of a crime enumerated in subsection d. of this section, whether the sentence of incarceration is determined pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-6, N.J.S.2C:43-7, N.J.S.2C:11-3 or any other provision of law, and shall be calculated based upon the sentence of incarceration actually imposed. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not be construed or applied to reduce the time that must be served before eligibility for parole by an inmate sentenced to a mandatory minimum period of incarceration. Solely for the purpose of calculating the minimum term of parole ineligibility pursuant to subsection a. of this section, a sentence of life imprisonment shall be deemed to be 75 years.

c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and in addition to any other sentence imposed, a court imposing a minimum period of parole ineligibility of 85 percent of the sentence pursuant to this section shall also impose a five-year term of parole supervision if the defendant is being sentenced for a crime of the first degree, or a three-year term of parole supervision if the defendant is being sentenced for a crime of the second degree. The term of parole supervision shall commence upon the completion of the sentence of incarceration imposed by the court pursuant to subsection a. of this section unless the defendant is serving a sentence of incarceration for another crime at the time he completes the sentence of incarceration imposed pursuant to subsection a., in which case the term of parole supervision shall commence immediately upon the defendant's release from incarceration. During the term of parole supervision the defendant shall remain in release status in the community in the legal custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and shall be supervised by the State Parole Board as if on parole and shall be subject to the provisions and conditions of section 3 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.30:4-123.51b).

d. The court shall impose sentence pursuant to subsection a. of this section upon conviction of the following crimes or an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these crimes:

(1) N.J.S.2C:11-3, murder;

(2) N.J.S.2C:11-4, aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter;

(3) N.J.S.2C:11-5, vehicular homicide;

(4) subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1, aggravated assault;

(5) subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1996, c.14 (C.2C:12-11), disarming a law enforcement officer;

(6) N.J.S.2C:13-1, kidnapping;

(7) subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-2, aggravated sexual assault;

(8) subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 and paragraph (1) of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:14-2, sexual assault;

(9) N.J.S.2C:15-1, robbery;

(10) section 1 of P.L.1993, c.221 (C.2C:15-2), carjacking;

(11) paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:17-1, aggravated arson;

(12) N.J.S.2C:18-2, burglary;

(13) subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:20-5, extortion;

(14) subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.185 (C.2C:35-4.1), booby traps in manufacturing or distribution facilities;

(15) N.J.S.2C:35-9, strict liability for drug induced deaths;

(16) section 2 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-2), terrorism;

(17) section 3 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-3), producing or possessing chemical weapons, biological agents or nuclear or radiological devices;

(18) N.J.S.2C:41-2, racketeering, when it is a crime of the first degree:

(19) subsection i. of N.J.S.2C:39-9, firearms trafficking; or

(20) paragraph (3) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:24-4, causing or permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act, knowing that the act may be reproduced or reconstructed in any manner, or be part of an exhibition or performance; or

(21) section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), home invasion burglary.

e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.129).

(cf: P.L.2013, c.136, s.4)

7. N.J.S.2C:44-3 is amended to read as follows:

2C:44-3. The court may, upon application of the prosecuting attorney, sentence a person who has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree to an extended term of imprisonment if it finds one or more of the grounds specified in subsection a., b., c., or f. of this section. If the grounds specified in subsection d. are found, and the person is being sentenced for commission of any of the offenses enumerated in N.J.S.2C:43-6c. or N.J.S.2C:43-6g., the court shall sentence the defendant to an extended term as required by N.J.S.2C:43-6c. or N.J.S.2C:43-6g., and application by the prosecutor shall not be required. The court shall, upon application of the prosecuting attorney, sentence a person who has been convicted of a crime under N.J.S.2C:14-2 or N.J.S.2C:14-3 to an extended term of imprisonment if the grounds specified in subsection g. of this section are found. The court shall, upon application of the prosecuting attorney, sentence a person to an extended term if the imposition of such term is required pursuant to the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.130 (C.2C:43-6.4). The finding of the court shall be incorporated in the record.

a. The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree and is a persistent offender. A persistent offender is a person who at the time of the commission of the crime is 21 years of age or over, who has been previously convicted on at least two separate occasions of two crimes, committed at different times, when he was at least 18 years of age, if the latest in time of these crimes or the date of the defendant's last release from confinement, whichever is later, is within 10 years of the date of the crime for which the defendant is being sentenced.

b. The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree and is a professional criminal. A professional criminal is a person who committed a crime as part of a continuing criminal activity in concert with two or more persons, and the circumstances of the crime show he has knowingly devoted himself to criminal activity as a major source of livelihood.

c. The defendant has been convicted of a crime of the first, second or third degree and committed the crime as consideration for the receipt, or in expectation of the receipt, of anything of pecuniary value the amount of which was unrelated to the proceeds of the crime or he procured the commission of the offense by payment or promise of payment of anything of pecuniary value.

d. Second offender with a firearm. The defendant is at least 18 years of age and has been previously convicted of any of the following crimes: 2C:11-3, 2C:11-4, 2C:12-1b., 2C:13-1, 2C:14-2a., 2C:14-3a., 2C:15-1, 2C:18-2, section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), 2C:29-5, 2C:39-4a., or has been previously convicted of an offense under Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes or under any statute of the United States or any other state which is substantially equivalent to the offenses enumerated in this subsection and he used or possessed a firearm, as defined in 2C:39-1f., in the course of committing or attempting to commit any of these crimes, including the immediate flight therefrom.

e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.443).

f. The defendant has been convicted of a crime under any of the following sections: N.J.S.2C:11-4, N.J.S.2C:12-1b., N.J.S.2C:13-1, N.J.S.2C:14-2a., N.J.S.2C:14-3a., N.J.S.2C:15-1, N.J.S.2C:18-2, section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), section 2 of P.L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), N.J.S.2C:29-2b., N.J.S.2C:29-5, N.J.S.2C:35-5, and in the course of committing or attempting to commit the crime, including the immediate flight therefrom, the defendant used or was in possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

g. The defendant has been convicted of a crime under N.J.S.2C:14-2 or N.J.S.2C:14-3 involving violence or the threat of violence and the victim of the crime was 16 years of age or less.

For purposes of this subsection, a crime involves violence or the threat of violence if the victim sustains serious bodily injury as defined in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:11-1, or the actor is armed with and uses a deadly weapon or threatens by word or gesture to use a deadly weapon as defined in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:11-1, or threatens to inflict serious bodily injury.

h. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.341).

(cf: P.L.2007, c.341, s.8)

8. Section 3 of P.L.1989, c.331 (C.34:8-44) is amended to read as follows:

3. In addition to any other procedure, condition or information required by this act:

a. Every applicant shall file a disclosure statement with the chief stating whether or not the applicant has been convicted of any crime, which for the purposes of this act shall mean a violation of any of the following provisions of the "New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice," Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes as amended and supplemented, or the equivalent under the laws of any other jurisdiction:

(1) Any crime of the first degree;

(2) Any crime which is a second or third degree crime and is a violation of chapter 20 or 21 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes; or

(3) Any other crime which is a violation of N.J.S.2C:5-1, 2C:5-2, 2C:11-2 through 2C:11-4, 2C:12-1, 2C:12-3, 2C:13-1, 2C:14-2, 2C:15-1, subsection a. or b. of 2C:17-1, subsection a. or b. of 2C:17-2, 2C:18-2, section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), section 2 of P.L. , c. (C. )(pending before the Legislature as this bill), 2C:20-1, 2C:20-2, 2C:20-4, 2C:20-5, 2C:20-7, section 1 or 2 of P.L.2023, c.101 (C.2C:20-10.1 or 2C:20-10.2), 2C:20-9, 2C:21-2 through 2C:21-4, 2C:21-6, 2C:21-7, 2C:21-12, 2C:21-14, 2C:21-15, or 2C:21-19, chapter 27 or 28 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, N.J.S.2C:30-2, 2C:30-3, 2C:35-5, 2C:35-10, or 2C:37-1 through 2C:37-4.

b. Each disclosure statement may be reviewed and used by the director as grounds for denying licensure or registration, except that in cases in which the provisions of P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.) apply, the director shall comply with the requirements of that act.

c. An applicant who is denied licensure or registration pursuant to this section shall, upon a written request transmitted to the director within 30 calendar days of the denial, be afforded an opportunity for a hearing in the manner provided for contested cases pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).

d. An applicant shall have the continuing duty to provide any assistance or information requested by the director, and to cooperate in any inquiry, investigation, or hearing conducted by the director.

e. If any of the information required to be included in the disclosure statement changes, or if any additional information should be added after the filing of the statement, the applicant shall provide that information to the chief, in writing, within 30 calendar days of the change or addition.

(cf: P.L.2023, c.101, s.6)

9. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This bill creates This bill creates the second degree crime of home invasion burglary, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), and the third degree crime of residential burglary, which would not be subject to the NERA. Additionally, it allows for the waiver of juveniles to adult criminal court for crimes related to the burglary of residential dwellings and clarifies statutory definitions.

Specifically, under the provisions of this bill, a person commits the crime of home invasion burglary if the person enters or remains surreptitiously in a residential dwelling without license or permission to do so and: 1) purposely, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts bodily injury on anyone; 2) attempts to inflict or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; or 3) is armed with or displays what appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon.

As a second degree crime, home invasion burglary would be penalized by a mandatory term of imprisonment between five to 10 years. Additionally, the convicted offender would be required to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed, without the possibility of parole since the bill includes the crime of home invasion burglary under the NERA. A convicted offender could also be subject to a fine of up to $150,000 (the ordinary fine amount applicable to second degree crimes).

Under the provisions of this bill, a person commits the crime of residential burglary if the person enters or remains surreptitiously in a residential dwelling without a license or permission to do so. As a third degree crime, the term of imprisonment for a residential burglary is between three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

In addition, this bill provides for the waiver of a juvenile to adult criminal court if a home invasion burglary or residential burglary is committed while the juvenile is in possession of a firearm. The bill also clarifies the definition of residential dwelling and the statutory definition of burglary.

The provisions of this bill provide that a person who is at least 18 years old and has a prior conviction for a home invasion burglary in which the person used or possessed a firearm during the commission of the crime would be subject to an extended term of imprisonment.

Additionally, under the provisions of this bill, a person convicted of a home invasion burglary or a residential burglary who, in the course of committing or attempting to commit the crime, used or was in possession of a stolen vehicle, would be subject to an extended term of imprisonment.

Finally, this bill would require a person applying for certain employment opportunities to file a disclosure statement stating whether or not the applicant has been convicted of home invasion burglary or residential burglary.