Garden State Times

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) that would upgrade penalties for residential home burglaries was passed by the New Jersey State Assembly today and awaits Governor Murphy’s signature to become law.

"Law enforcement personnel have expressed an urgent need to pass legislation to combat the troubling wave of residential home burglaries spreading across New Jersey. This legislation, once signed by the Governor, will help provide law enforcement and prosecutors with the necessary tools to hold bad actors accountable and ensure safety within our communities,” said Sen. Bucco. "By enforcing stricter penalties, we're sending a clear message that individuals who burglarize homes or engage in other associated criminal activities will face severe consequences."

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “Prosecutor Carroll and I both know the impact of a home burglary on the crime victim is traumatic and it has lasting effects; it is a violation of a person’s very security. That is why we each testified to that sentiment, before the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee, in June. After such an intrusion, a person’s home no longer feels like a safe haven because their personal privacy has been violated, their sanctuary is destroyed. Most importantly, such encounters can be deadly. The devastation can be enormous and life-impacting. Many victims feel the need to leave their homes and move away after such an invasion. It is our responsibility as law enforcement professionals to diligently protect our citizens, investigate crimes, capture, and prosecute these offenders, and it is the legislature’s duty to help us deter such harm. I applaud our legislators particularly Senator Anthony Bucco for coming together with us to enhance the penalties associated with the crime of residential burglaries. This change is supported by the Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey (SANJ), the County Prosecutor’s Association of New Jersey (CPANJ), and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). It is a great step in making positive changes for crime victims' benefit. Hopefully, the Governor will sign this legislation into law because Prosecutor Carroll and I believe this will result in a measurable difference in our communities' safety and security.”

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Morris County and New Jersey at large have experienced an onslaught of car thefts which have now escalated to residential burglaries at homes often occupied by criminals looking for key fobs or other valuables. This creates potential dangerous confrontations for both burglars and residents as some criminals have been arrested with firearms. My Office has heard from members of public at recent Town Hall meetings and from municipal police chiefs that this trend has eroded residents’ sense of security in their homes.

In Morris County we have successfully reduced car thefts using Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) through close cooperation between municipal police state federal partners but we need more bi-partisan legislation enhancing penalties not only punishing offenders but deterring recruitment juveniles into criminal organizations which has become serious problem We do not want teenagers drawn into criminal networks allure fast cash Legislation narrow area deter career criminals recruiting teen-aged juveniles pattern criminal conduct continue escalate until law enforcement effectuates arrests network leaders available statutory authority detain subjects appropriate cases convicted provide incarceration meaningful terms parole ineligibility wish especially thank New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin Senator Anthony Bucco Senate Assembly members support important legislation protect citizens predatory conduct also thank Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill support seeking obtaining major funding vital ALPR equipment effort Lastly thank New Jersey State Association Chiefs Police Morris County Police Chiefs Association steadfast support.”

Under current law general offense “burglary” makes no distinction cases where crime committed residence opposed commercial non-residential building

Sen Bucco's bill S-3006 would enhance criminal penalties burglaries residence overnight dwelling establishment two new offenses “residential burglary” “home invasion burglary” new offense “residential burglary” constitute second degree crime therefore carry heightened penalties presumption incarceration

Other new offense “home invasion burglary” apply offender commits residential burglary deadly weapon inflicts attempts inflict threatens bodily injury course burglary “Home invasion burglary” constitute first degree crime therefore carry greater penalties presumption incarceration

You can read full version bill here.