NJ A4013

Creates a new category of aggravated assault for causing bodily injury to persons with disabilities or senior citizens aged 60 or older, upgrading what would otherwise be simple assault

Classifies the offense as a third-degree crime for bodily injury and a second-degree crime for significant or serious bodily injury

Imposes a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years without parole eligibility for those convicted under this provision

Defines "person with a disability" as someone with a pre-existing physical or mental impairment who is substantially incapable of exercising normal power of resistance, including those receiving Social Security disability benefits

Prompted by specific incidents including the beating and partial blinding of Joey Damiano, a Trenton man with an intellectual disability, as well as assaults on elderly victims including a 92-year-old woman during a home invasion and a 78-year-old woman during a carjacking