Loading chat...

NJ A408

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Victoria Flynn

Click for details

Origin

General Assembly

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Juveniles aged 15 and older charged with motor vehicle theft or unlawful taking who have a prior delinquency adjudication for the same offense become eligible for waiver to adult criminal court
  • Adults (18+) who use, solicit, direct, hire, or employ anyone 17 or younger to steal a vehicle commit "strict liability use of a juvenile in theft of an automobile," removing the "knowingly" requirement from current law
  • Mistaken belief about the juvenile's age is not a valid defense, even if the belief was reasonable
  • The new strict liability offense is a second degree crime, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $150,000, or both
  • Conviction for using a juvenile in auto theft cannot merge with a conviction for the underlying auto theft

Legislative Description

Expands offenses for which juvenile may be waived to adult criminal court to include certain thefts or unlawful takings of motor vehicles; makes use of juvenile in theft of motor vehicle strict liability crime.

Judiciary

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available