S 978

This bill increases the criminal penalty for trespassing in nuclear power plants in New Jersey from a fourth degree crime to a third degree crime. Under current law, unlawfully entering or remaining in a nuclear electric generating plant carries penalties of up to 18 months imprisonment and a $10,000 fine; this legislation would increase those penalties to 3-5 years imprisonment and up to a $15,000 fine. The bill maintains existing fourth degree penalties for trespassing in other critical infrastructure facilities like schools, water treatment plants, and airports, while specifically elevating only nuclear power plant trespassing to the more serious third degree classification, reflecting heightened security concerns for these facilities.