NJ A2950

Amends New Jersey's bias intimidation statute (N.J.S.2C:16-1) to add "employment as a member of the press or media" to the list of protected classes alongside race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and ethnicity

Defines "member of the press or media" as an accredited member of the press corps or media, a photographer or photojournalist employed by a newspaper, magazine, or other media company, or an individual operating equipment to facilitate news or media delivery

Enables enhanced criminal penalties when certain offenses (assault, harassment, weapons violations, etc.) are committed with intent to intimidate someone based on their press or media employment

Bias intimidation is graded one degree higher than the underlying offense, with first-degree bias intimidation carrying a potential sentence of 15-30 years imprisonment

Modeled after legislation introduced in Florida concerning offenses against members of the press