This bill establishes a disorderly persons offense for individuals who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity by wearing a mask or disguise while committing another crime or offense. The intent behind this concealment must be to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid apprehension. However, individuals wearing masks or disguises for medical, religious, or expressive purposes are exempt from this classification. To be charged under this new provision, a person must already be charged with an underlying crime or offense under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes and must have been wearing a mask or disguise at the time of the offense.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that a conviction for this disorderly persons offense will not merge with any other criminal offense, meaning that sentences for this offense cannot be reduced by combining it with other charges. The penalties for violating this provision include up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.