This bill establishes a new crime specifically for the burglary of residential dwellings, separate from the existing burglary laws under N.J.S.A.2C:18-2. It amends the definition of "residential dwelling" to include any building or structure primarily serving as a residence for one or more persons, as well as any place adapted for overnight accommodation. The bill also clarifies that a person is guilty of residential burglary if they enter or remain in a residential dwelling with the intent to commit an offense.

The penalties for residential burglary are outlined in the bill, maintaining the existing framework of consequences. It specifies that residential burglary is a crime of the third degree, but escalates to a crime of the second degree if certain conditions are met, such as inflicting bodily injury or being armed with a weapon during the act. The punishments for these crimes range from three to ten years of imprisonment and fines up to $150,000, depending on the severity of the offense. This legislation aims to enhance the tracking and prosecution of residential burglary incidents in New Jersey.