This bill amends N.J.S.2C:40-28 to establish specific penalties for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in connection with criminal activities. It defines various offenses related to the use of UAS, including a disorderly persons offense for operating a UAS in a manner that endangers life or property, and a crime of the fourth degree for using a UAS to further a petty disorderly persons offense or disorderly persons offense. For other crimes, the operation of a UAS will be graded one degree higher than the underlying offense. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for operating a UAS near correctional facilities, interfering with first responders, and violating restraining orders.

A significant addition in this bill is the requirement for the forfeiture of any unmanned aircraft system, controller, or digital device used in the commission of an offense upon conviction. This provision aims to deter the misuse of UAS in criminal activities by ensuring that offenders lose their equipment used in the crime. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.