This bill establishes additional penalties for crimes committed within designated Transit Safety Zones in New Jersey, which are defined as areas located within 500 feet of major transit facilities such as train stations and bus terminals. The bill outlines specific offenses that, when committed in these zones, will incur additional fines ranging from $500 to $25,000, depending on the severity of the crime. Qualifying offenses include various crimes such as assault, robbery, theft, and drug-related offenses. The court has the discretion to waive or reduce these additional fines if it finds that imposing the minimum fine would result in substantial injustice.

Furthermore, the bill designates specific transit facilities, including Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal, as designated transit facilities and allows the Commissioner of Transportation to add more facilities based on factors like passenger volume and public safety concerns. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated transit facilities, aligning them with current restrictions at airports and other transportation hubs. The Commissioner is tasked with maintaining an official list and map of these facilities and their corresponding safety zones, as well as adopting necessary rules for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:58-4.6