This bill establishes a separate crime of residential burglary in New Jersey, amending N.J.S.2C:18-1 and supplementing Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. It defines "residential dwelling" as any building or structure primarily serving as a residence for one or more persons, including places adapted for overnight accommodation. The bill also clarifies the definition of "structure" by removing the previous inclusion of places adapted for overnight accommodation, which is now specifically defined under residential dwelling.

Under the new provisions, a person commits residential burglary if they enter or remain in a residential dwelling with the intent to commit an offense. The crime is classified as a second-degree offense if certain aggravating factors are present, such as inflicting bodily injury or being armed with a weapon. Otherwise, it is classified as a third-degree crime. The penalties for these classifications remain consistent with current law, with third-degree burglary punishable by three to five years of imprisonment and second-degree burglary punishable by five to ten years. This change aims to enhance the tracking and prosecution of residential burglary incidents in the state.