This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to enhance penalties for assaults against elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that classifies causing bodily injury to a person with a disability or a senior citizen aged 60 or older as a crime of the third degree. If the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily injury, the offense escalates to a crime of the second degree. Additionally, individuals convicted under this provision will face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years, during which they will be ineligible for parole.

The bill was motivated by recent violent incidents involving vulnerable populations, including the brutal assault of Joey Damiano, a man with an intellectual disability, and various assaults against elderly individuals. The definition of a "person with a disability" is also clarified in the bill, encompassing those with medically determinable physical or mental impairments that significantly hinder their ability to resist harm. This legislative change aims to provide greater protection for these at-risk groups and impose stricter consequences on offenders.