TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Shirley K. Turner that would strengthen criminal penalties for assaults committed against elderly individuals and people with disabilities was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Every New Jerseyan deserves to feel safe in their home and community, regardless of their age or disability,” said Senator Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). “When someone intentionally exploits another person's vulnerability to commit an act of violence, the justice system should reflect the seriousness of that offense. This legislation strengthens protections for those who need them most.”

The bill, S-271, would upgrade assaults committed against the elderly or a person with a disability to aggravated assault and require a mandatory minimum prison term of three years for those convicted. Under the legislation, a person who causes bodily injury to an individual with a disability or a senior citizen who is 60 years of age or older would be guilty of aggravated assault. The offense would be a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury and a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers significant bodily injury or serious bodily injury.

Research has shown that people with disabilities experience violent victimization at significantly higher rates than the general population, while older adults are often targeted because they may be less able to protect themselves or escape dangerous situations.

By enhancing the penalties for these offenses, the bill seeks to provide stronger protection for vulnerable populations and create a greater deterrent against crimes that exploit the elderly or individuals with a disability.