Ocean Legislative Trio Introduces Bill That Would Up Penalties For Trespassing In Nuclear Plants

Lacey Township, NJ - Members of the 9th District in Ocean County have introduced legislation that would make trespassing in a nuclear plant a 3rd degree crime rather than a fourth-degree crime.

The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee today advanced legislation (A-3186) introduced by 9th District Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove which would increase from a 4th degree crime to 3rd degree crime the penalty for trespassing offenses committed in a nuclear generating plant.

A bill sponsored by the two in the Assembly and slated to be introduced by Senator Christopher J. Connors in the state Senate would also increase the fine from $10,000 to $15,000, according to their office.

“Security at our nuclear generating facilities has taken on a greater level of importance since 9/11," the release states. "Obviously, this is an issue that hits close to home for us and our constituents, as the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station is located in our legislative district."

“The penalties provided under current law certainly don’t properly reflect the seriousness of trespassing, as a criminal act, given the potentially hazardous materials kept on site and the detrimental impacts to any disruption to these facilities’ critical operations," the release states. "While we certainly recognize that nuclear facilities in the state take the appropriate measures to protect their facilities, our legislation would enhance deterrents for trespassing at these sites and more effectively prosecute those who would threaten public safety.”

Under current law, trespassing in a nuclear generating plant is a crime of the fourth degree, which is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, jail for up to 18 months, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000, imprisonment for three to five years, or both.

Connors was a sponsor of the successful 9th District delegation-led effort that updated state law in 2003 to authorize nuclear facility security personnel to use hollow nose ammunition and semi-automatic firearms on the premises.

Image: Patricia A. Miller