
Senator Bucco calls on Gov. Murphy to sign bill upgrading penalties for burglary
NEW JERSEY – In light of recent events regarding the burglary of Assemblyman Paul Kanitra’s (R-10) residence, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco is urging Governor Murphy to sign legislation that would upgrade penalties for residential home burglaries
“The safety of our residents should be our upmost priority as elected officials.” said Bucco. “I am calling on the Governor to immediately sign my bill to help provide law enforcement and prosecutors with the necessary tools to hold bad actors accountable and ensure safety within our communities—the longer we wait, the worse this situation will become.”
Sen. Bucco’s bill, S-3006, passed the Senate in June by a vote of 36-1 and passed the Assembly in September by a unanimous vote. It now awaits Governor Murphy’s signature to become law.
The bill would enhance criminal penalties for burglaries of a residence or other overnight dwelling through the establishment of two new offenses: “residential burglary” and “home invasion burglary.” The new offense of “residential burglary” would constitute a second-degree crime, and therefore, carry heightened penalties and a presumption of incarceration.
The other new offense, “home invasion burglary,” would apply when the offender commits residential burglary with a deadly weapon, or inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens bodily injury during the course of the burglary. “Home invasion burglary” would constitute a crime of the first-degree, and therefore, carry yet even greater penalties, as well as a presumption of incarceration.