This bill amends New Jersey's criminal statutes to include auto theft in the definitions 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, classifying it as a first-degree crime. The aggravated manslaughter statute is also expanded to cover deaths that occur while driving a stolen vehicle, regardless of whether the individual was attempting to evade law enforcement, and is similarly classified as a first-degree offense. Additionally, the aggravated assault statute is updated to include injuries caused during auto theft, alongside those occurring during joyriding, and is classified as a second-degree crime.

The bill emphasizes strict liability for aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault, meaning that individuals can be held accountable for resulting injuries or deaths even if they were caused by a pursuing police officer. This provision aligns with the precedent set in the case of State v. Lora, which determined that injuries during a police pursuit are a risk created by the criminal's actions. The penalties for these offenses vary, with second-degree crimes punishable by five to ten years in prison and first-degree crimes punishable by ten to twenty years, including specific provisions for murder.