This bill establishes a separate crime of residential burglary in New Jersey, amending N.J.S.2C:18-1 to include a specific definition of "residential dwelling." According to the new legal language, a residential dwelling is defined as any building or structure primarily serving as a residence for one or more persons, including places adapted for overnight accommodation. The bill also removes the previous definition of "structure" that included places adapted for overnight accommodation, thereby clarifying the distinction between residential and other types of structures.

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 penalties for this crime are consistent with existing laws, classifying it as a third-degree crime, but elevating it to a second-degree crime under certain circumstances, such as inflicting bodily injury or being armed with a weapon during the act. The bill aims to facilitate the tracking of residential burglary incidents in the state while maintaining the same penalties as current law, with third-degree crimes punishable by three to five years of imprisonment and second-degree crimes by five to ten years.