NJ A3590

Upgrades burglary of a residence (dwelling or structure adapted for overnight accommodation) from a third degree crime to a second degree crime, regardless of whether anyone is present at the time

Second degree burglary carries a prison term of 5-10 years and fines up to $150,000, compared to third degree penalties of 3-5 years and fines up to $15,000

Applies the No Early Release Act (NERA) to residential burglary, requiring offenders to serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole

Adds mandatory parole supervision of 3 years following release from incarceration for second degree residential burglary convictions

Currently, burglary only qualifies as second degree if the offender was armed or inflicted/threatened bodily injury; this bill adds residential entry as a third qualifying factor