This bill amends N.J.S.2C:18-3 to establish a new crime of the third degree for individuals who enter the dwelling of a victim of domestic violence, specifically when a domestic violence restraining order is in place against the actor. The bill stipulates that if the actor has been convicted of or charged with a crime related to a domestic violence incident involving the victim, there is a rebuttable presumption that the actor intended to cause annoyance or injury or to commit a crime upon entering the dwelling. Additionally, the bill specifies that the presumption of nonimprisonment does not apply to those convicted under this provision.

The bill also retains existing provisions regarding unlicensed entry into structures and defiant trespassers, while clarifying that certain offenses remain classified as fourth-degree crimes or disorderly persons offenses based on the context of the trespass. A crime of the third degree, as defined in this bill, carries a potential penalty of three to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.