The bill amends New Jersey's assault laws under N.J.S.2C:12-1 to broaden the definitions and penalties related to various forms of assault. It maintains the current definitions of simple and aggravated assault while introducing new classifications for aggravated assault based on the victim's status, particularly when the victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical personnel engaged in their official duties. The bill also establishes strict liability for individuals who cause bodily injury while fleeing law enforcement or recklessly operating a vehicle, especially in school zones. Additionally, it categorizes the act of throwing bodily fluids at designated public safety officials as aggravated assault, with penalties that include mandatory consecutive prison terms and biological testing for communicable diseases.

Moreover, the bill sets strict regulations on the use of blood or biological samples from individuals charged with certain offenses, allowing such samples to be used solely for testing for communicable diseases, with a separate warrant required for any other investigatory purposes. It mandates the destruction of these samples after testing to protect privacy and prevent misuse. The bill clarifies that its provisions do not impede the possibility of indictment and conviction for violations of specific criminal laws, and it is set to take effect immediately upon approval, which occurred on November 18, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:12-13
Advance Law: 2C:12-13
Pamphlet Law: 2C:12-13