NJ A618

Elevates false public alarms involving churches, synagogues, temples, or other places of worship from a third degree to a second degree crime, punishable by 5-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $150,000

Defines "place of worship" as a building seating more than 50 people used primarily for worship by a recognized religious sect registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Increases the minimum civil penalty for false alarms at places of worship from $2,000 to $5,000, or actual emergency response costs, whichever is higher

Civil penalties collected are payable to the municipality or entity that provided the law enforcement or emergency services response