NJ A4473

Residential burglary committed when the offender knew or believed the residence was unoccupied due to a death or funeral attendance would be subject to No Early Release Act (NERA) sentencing enhancements, eliminating the current exception for unoccupied homes in such circumstances.

Using information from funeral announcements to commit crimes including burglary, theft, fraud, property destruction, bias intimidation, or disorderly conduct would constitute a fourth degree crime punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and $10,000 fine.

Convictions for using funeral announcement information to commit crimes would not merge with convictions for the underlying offenses, requiring courts to impose consecutive sentences.

Current funeral disruption offenses involving picketing, noise, or blocking access remain disorderly persons offenses punishable by up to six months imprisonment and $1,000 fine.

Second degree residential burglary carries five to ten years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000.