NJ A3247

Upgrades burglary of a dwelling or structure used for overnight accommodation from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime (5-10 years imprisonment, up to $150,000 fine), regardless of whether anyone is present

Creates a new first-degree burglary offense (10-20 years imprisonment) when the burglar is armed with or displays explosives or a deadly weapon while burglarizing a residence

First-degree residential burglary while armed would be subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility

Second-degree residential burglary (without weapons) would not be subject to NERA's 85% minimum sentence requirement

Current law treats burglary as second-degree only when the offender inflicts/threatens bodily injury or is armed; otherwise it is a third-degree crime (3-5 years, up to $15,000 fine)