NJ A2533

Adds "employment as a member of the press or media" to New Jersey's bias intimidation law (N.J.S.2C:16-1) as a protected class alongside race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and ethnicity.

Defines "member of the press or media" as accredited press corps or media members, photographers or photojournalists employed by newspapers, magazines, or other media companies, or individuals operating equipment to facilitate news or media delivery.

Applies enhanced criminal penalties when specified offenses are committed with intent to intimidate, with knowledge the conduct would intimidate, or under circumstances where victims reasonably believe they were targeted because of their press or media employment.

Bias intimidation is graded one degree higher than the underlying offense, with first-degree cases carrying potential sentences of 15-30 years imprisonment with a 20-year presumptive term.

Modeled after similar legislation recently introduced in Florida concerning offenses against members of the press.