STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1083

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed By Senator CONNORS)

ADOPTED: APRIL 21, 1997

      S1083 would amend subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1 which defines aggravated assault by adding a new paragraph (8) which proscribes penalties for persons who intentionally start fires or explosions which result in bodily injury to emergency personnel. These floor amendments clarify that aggravated assault under the provisions of new paragraph (8) would be graded as a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers "significant bodily injury" in addition to" serious bodily injury". Other clarifying amendments include the reference to a violation of the arson statute and a reference to "bodily" injury in setting out the elements of the offense.

      The floor amendments also provide that a person would be strictly liable for a violation of paragraph (8) upon proof of a violation of N.J.S.2C:17-1, the arson statute, which resulted in bodily injury to any emergency services personnel.