Upgrades degree of crime of auto theft when committed in connection with home invasion or residential burglary.

This bill (A5316) upgrades the criminal classification for auto theft when it occurs during specific burglaries in New Jersey. It raises auto theft to a second-degree crime if committed during residential burglary (breaking into a home without violence) and to a first-degree crime if committed during home invasion burglary (breaking into a home with violence or weapons). Currently, auto theft is a third-degree crime (3-5 year prison term) unless the vehicle is worth $75,000+ or multiple vehicles are stolen. The bill ensures auto theft convictions won’t merge with burglary convictions, meaning offenders face separate sentences for both crimes. It directly affects individuals who steal vehicles while committing these types of burglaries.