New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3465

Introduced
3/8/22  

Caption

Establishes fourth degree crime of manufacturing, selling, or possessing vehicle theft devices.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, will enhance New Jersey's legislative framework addressing vehicle security. By making it unlawful to manufacture, sell, or possess relay attack units, the legislation directly targets a method of theft that has been identified as a significant issue by law enforcement agencies, including the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The legislation supports broader crime prevention efforts by strengthening the legal consequences associated with such acts, which may deter potential offenders from engaging in similar criminal behavior.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3465 aims to combat vehicle theft by establishing a new fourth degree crime related to the manufacturing, selling, or possession of what is known as a 'relay attack unit.' These devices, used primarily by thieves to unlock or bypass the ignition systems of vehicles with keyless remotes, have become increasingly common in vehicle theft incidents. The bill recognizes the growing threat posed by such technology and seeks to impose legal restrictions on its proliferation within the state.

Contention

While the bill's intent aligns with public safety goals, it may raise concerns regarding its implications for automotive manufacturers and anti-theft organizations. The proposed law exempts these groups when they engage in testing the vulnerabilities of vehicle systems. However, there could be debates regarding what constitutes legitimate testing versus unlawful activities, which may lead to potential legal challenges or loopholes in enforcement. Opponents might also argue that the bill could inadvertently complicate the operations of legitimate businesses involved in the automotive industry.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A08867

Enacts the "New York state vehicle security circumvention device act" to prohibit the manufacturing, sale, offering to sell, or possession of devices outside of lawful and reasonable purposes.

NJ S08883

Enacts the "New York state vehicle security circumvention device act" to prohibit the manufacturing, sale, offering to sell, or possession of devices outside of lawful and reasonable purposes.

NJ HB1104

Prohibits relative to the manufacturing and sale of motor vehicle key programming or emulation devices (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

NJ S3449

Changes monetary threshold for certain fourth degree theft crimes.

NJ S3232

Upgrades certain crimes related to manufacturing firearms from second to first degree.

NJ S887

Lowers monetary threshold for certain motor vehicle theft to constitute second degree crime.

NJ A297

Lowers monetary threshold for certain motor vehicle theft to constitute second degree crime.

NJ SB739

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of manufacture, distribution or possession of master keys for motor vehicles.

NJ S3080

Establishes transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering gestating cow as crime of fourth degree; establishes criminal and civil penalties therefor; designated as Brianna's Law.

NJ S1268

Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion device.

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