CONNERS BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS’ GRAVES PASSES SENATE

CONNERS BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS’ GRAVES PASSES SENATE
Measure Would Makes Theft of Headstone, Marker or Flag A Criminal Offense; Bill Is a Response to 2005 Vandalism Spree in Burlington County

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblyman Jack Conners sponsored to protect the grave sites of fallen soldiers and military veterans by making it specific offense to steal the headstones, brass markers, flag, or flag holders from a veteran’s grave site was passed today by the Senate.

“It is galling to see the grave sites of brave Americans who fought and died for our country defaced for a profit,” said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden). “Individuals who steal from the grave of an American veteran obviously lack moral conscience and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The measure (A-2976) would impose mandatory fines of $1,000 to $2,500 plus restitution for the disturbance and theft of headstones, headstone markers, flags or flag holders from grave sites.

Conners said commemorative grave markers in his district have been stolen from soldiers’ grave sites and resold at flea markets and yard sales.

“This is more than a property crime,” said Conners. “The thefts are disheartening and demoralizing to the entire military veterans’ community and the families of deceased veterans and inherently disrespectful to anyone who has ever donned a military uniform.”

The bill would require a judge to mandate community service: a minimum 10 days for a first offense, a minimum 15 days for a second offence, and between 20 to 25 days for subsequent offenses. A person convicted of a third or subsequent offense would be sentenced to a minimum of 90 days imprisonment.

The Senate passed the bill 35-0. It now heads to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it or modify it in the form of a conditional veto.

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