This bill amends New Jersey statutes concerning felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, and aggravated assault to incorporate provisions specifically addressing auto theft. It adds "theft of a motor vehicle" to the list of offenses that can lead to felony murder charges if a death occurs during the commission of the crime or while fleeing from it. The bill establishes strict liability for causing death or injury while fleeing from law enforcement or operating a vehicle in violation of certain statutes, meaning individuals can be held accountable regardless of the actual cause of the death or injury. Additionally, the definitions of aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault are expanded to include deaths and injuries occurring during auto theft and related vehicle operation violations.

The bill classifies aggravated manslaughter as a first-degree crime when a death occurs while driving a stolen vehicle, regardless of the defendant's intent to evade law enforcement. Similarly, aggravated assault is redefined to include injuries caused during auto theft, aligning it with existing joyriding statutes and classified as a second-degree crime. Both offenses are designated as strict liability crimes, eliminating the need for the prosecution to prove recklessness or intoxication. The penalties for these crimes are significant, with first-degree offenses carrying potential sentences of 10 to 20 years, and murder subject to a minimum of 30 years without parole.