NJ A5850

Creates a disorderly persons offense for wearing a mask or disguise to conceal identity while committing another crime, when done with the purpose of instilling fear, hindering prosecution, or avoiding apprehension

Exempts masks worn for medical, religious, or expressive purposes from being considered evidence of criminal intent

Requires that a person can only be charged under this offense if they are also charged with an underlying crime under Title 2C and were wearing a mask at the time of that offense

Prohibits merger of this offense with any other criminal conviction, meaning it must be sentenced separately

Punishable as a disorderly persons offense with up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both