This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to enhance penalties for assaults against individuals with disabilities. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that classifies causing bodily injury to a person with a disability as a crime of the third degree. Additionally, individuals convicted under this provision will face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years. The bill defines a "person with a disability" as someone who, due to a pre-existing physical or mental impairment, is significantly limited in their ability to resist harm, including those recognized as disabled under federal criteria.

The legislation was inspired by a tragic incident involving Joey Damiano, a man with an intellectual disability who was violently assaulted in 2006. By upgrading the legal consequences for assaults against disabled individuals, the bill aims to provide greater protection for vulnerable populations and deter potential offenders from committing such acts of violence. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.