Upgrades penalties for certain crimes committed during state of emergency.

This bill (A-3170) increases penalties for specific crimes committed during a declared state of emergency in New Jersey. It upgrades robbery, burglary, and unauthorized entry into buildings or facilities to higher criminal degrees (e.g., first or second degree instead of lower classifications) when these acts occur during an emergency. The key mechanism is amending statutes to automatically elevate sentencing levels for these offenses in emergency jurisdictions, affecting anyone committing such crimes during declared emergencies. The bill does not create new offenses but changes penalties for existing crimes under emergency conditions. It is currently pending before the Assembly Judiciary Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).