This bill amends New Jersey's criminal statutes to include auto theft in the definitions and consequences of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated assault. It specifically adds "theft of a motor vehicle" to the list of crimes that can lead to felony murder charges if a death occurs during the commission of the crime or while fleeing from it. The bill also establishes strict liability for individuals who cause death or injury while fleeing from law enforcement or operating a vehicle in violation of certain statutes related to auto theft. Additionally, the definitions of aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault are expanded to include deaths and injuries occurring during the commission of auto theft, with aggravated manslaughter classified as a first-degree crime and aggravated assault as a second-degree crime.

The bill clarifies that individuals can be held strictly liable for injuries or deaths resulting from their actions, even if those injuries or deaths are caused by pursuing police officers. This aligns with the precedent set in *State v. Lora*, which determined that injuries during a police pursuit are a risk created by the criminal's actions. The penalties for these crimes are significant, with first-degree crimes carrying a minimum of 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and second-degree crimes carrying 5 to 10 years. The bill is intended to strengthen penalties for violent crimes associated with auto theft and enhance accountability for actions taken during such offenses, taking effect immediately upon passage.