NJ A1926

Creates a new aggravated assault offense for causing bodily injury to a person with a disability, classified as a third-degree crime under N.J.S.2C:12-1

Imposes a mandatory three-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility for anyone convicted of assaulting a disabled person

Defines "person with a disability" as someone with a pre-existing physical or mental impairment that substantially prevents them from exercising normal power of resistance, including those receiving federal Social Security disability benefits

Prompted by the 2006 assault of Joey Damiano, a Trenton man with an intellectual disability who was beaten and blinded in one eye during a mugging

Pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 session of the New Jersey 222nd Legislature, sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (District 20) and co-sponsors