Assembly unanimously approves bill to protect historic sites

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Assembly has unanimously approved a measure that aims to preserve the integrity of historic sites in New Jersey

The bill sponsored by Democrats Joseph Danielsen and Jamel Holley was passed Monday. It now heads to the state Senate for its consideration.

The measure would make it a third-degree crime to knowingly damage or tamper with a historic building, monument or structure that meets the criteria for - or may be eligible for - inclusion in the state’s Register of Historic Places. It also would apply if it’s formally recognized by a county or municipality as having historic interest.

Third-degree crimes are punishable by prison terms of three to five years and/or a fine of up to $15,000.