2TRENTON, NJ – A bill aimed at making the desecration of military monuments a felony-level offense has quietly stalled in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, leaving its Republican sponsors frustrated and veterans groups demanding action.

The measure, sponsored by Assemblywomen Michele Matsikoudis and Victoria Flynn along with Assemblyman Jay Webber, would elevate the desecration of any monument honoring service members to a third-degree crime.

The legislation, pre-filed for the 2024 session, seeks to strengthen penalties for damaging or defacing memorials dedicated to U.S. military personnel or historic battles.

Under current law, desecrating a public monument or place of worship is only a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail.

If enacted, the bill wou

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