This bill amends New Jersey's assault laws to elevate the crime of simple assault to aggravated assault when the offense is committed against a registered security officer. Specifically, it introduces new legal language that defines aggravated assault as occurring when a person commits simple assault against a security officer who is clearly identifiable as performing their duties or due to their status as a security officer. Under this bill, aggravated assault against a security officer is classified as a third-degree crime if the victim suffers bodily injury, and a fourth-degree crime if no injury occurs.

The bill aligns the treatment of assaults against security officers with existing provisions that enhance penalties for assaults against various other professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and school employees, among others. The penalties for aggravated assault under this bill include a potential prison term of three to five years and fines up to $15,000 for third-degree crimes, while fourth-degree crimes may result in imprisonment of up to 18 months and fines up to $10,000. This legislative change aims to provide greater protection for security officers in the performance of their duties.