SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 271

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 11, 2026

      The Senate Judiciary Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 271.

      This bill would upgrade the offense of assault in situations where the victim is disabled or a senior citizen who is 60 years of age or older, grading the act as a third-degree aggravated assault if the victim suffers bodily injury and a second-degree aggravated assault if the victim suffers significant or serious bodily injury.  Under N.J.S. 2C:11-1, “bodily injury” refers to “physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition”; “significant bodily injury” means “bodily injury which creates a temporary loss of the function of any bodily member or organ or temporary loss of any one of the five senses”; and “serious bodily injury” is an “injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”

      A crime of the third degree (for causing the victim bodily injury under the bill) is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both; and a crime of the second degree (for causing the victim significant or serious bodily injury) is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both.

      Additionally, whether graded as a third-degree or second-degree crime, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years without eligibility for parole would be imposed.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.