NJ A842

Elevates desecration of public monuments, places of worship, or burial sites from a disorderly persons offense to a graded crime based on pecuniary loss: third degree (up to 5 years, $15,000 fine) for damage exceeding $2,000; fourth degree (up to 18 months, $10,000 fine) for damage between $500 and $2,000; disorderly persons offense for $500 or less.

Adds desecration of venerated objects to New Jersey's bias intimidation statute, allowing the offense to be charged one degree higher when motivated by bias based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity.

Amends N.J.S.2C:33-9 (desecration of venerated objects) and N.J.S.2C:16-1 (bias intimidation) to implement these changes.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.