New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S195

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.

Impact

The enactment of S195 would amend Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, introducing new legal frameworks surrounding drone usage in crime. Not only does it justify stricter penalties for offenders using drones, but it also mandates the forfeiture of drones and related devices upon conviction. This aspect indicates a significant shift away from previous regulations, aiming to deter potential offenders by increasing the personal cost associated with such violations. In addition, the bill introduces measures for the protection of correctional facilities, making it a crime to surveil or compromise these environments using drones, thus emphasizing public safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 195, proposed in New Jersey, establishes specific penalties for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the furtherance of criminal activities. The legislation aims to address growing concerns surrounding the misuse of drones in committing offenses or aiding in other crimes. The penalties are defined based on the nature of the underlying offense, with crimes committed using a UAS typically resulting in harsher sanctions than those committed independently of such devices. Notably, if a drone is utilized in the commission of a petty or disorderly persons offense, the charge is elevated to a fourth-degree crime, while its usage for more significant offenses increases the severity of the charge by one degree beyond the underlying crime.

Companion Bills

NJ A3096

Same As Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2040

Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.

NJ A3682

Establishes penalties for use of unmanned aircraft in furtherance of commission of criminal offense; requires forfeiture of device upon conviction.

NJ SB49

Establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems.

NJ A4170

Imposes mandatory forfeiture of public office, position or employment upon conviction of certain offenses.

NJ HB468

Establishing the crime of and penalties for unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems and changing the reckless driving minimum penalties.

NJ HB2239

In burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft.

NJ HB1926

In burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft.

NJ S1422

Unmanned Aircraft or Unmanned Aircraft Systems

NJ H1121

Unmanned Aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems

NJ SB136

Unlawful Use Of Unmanned Aircraft

Similar Bills

AZ HB2875

local regulation; prohibition; unmanned aircraft

SC H4674

Disposal of abandoned and derelict aircraft

HI SB2399

Relating To A General Excise Tax Exemption For Aircraft Maintenance.

US HB1851

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025

US SB873

Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025

CA AB2043

Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force.

TN HB1997

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3, relative to exemption from sales and use tax on aircraft repair services and parts.