Sponsored by:
Senator DECLAN J. O'SCANLON, JR.
District 13 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Increases penalties for purposely desecrating any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning certain crimes and amending P.L.1978, c.95.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. N.J.S.2C:33-9 is amended to read as follows:
2C:33-9. Desecration of Venerated Objects. A person commits a [disorderly persons offense] crime of the fourth degree if he purposely desecrates any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial. "Desecrate" means defacing, damaging or polluting.
(cf: N.J.S.2C:33-9)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would increase the penalties for purposely desecrating any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the fourth degree. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, up to a $1,000 fine, or both.