Upgrades crime of manslaughter to aggravated manslaughter under certain circumstances.

This bill (S 132) upgrades certain manslaughter cases to "aggravated manslaughter" in New Jersey, specifically when a homicide occurs in the heat of passion following reasonable provocation. It increases penalties: aggravated manslaughter becomes a first-degree crime punishable by 10-30 years in prison (up from 5-10 years for standard manslaughter). The bill also explicitly states that gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation - whether as a victim's trait or due to a past relationship - cannot be considered "reasonable provocation." This change directly affects individuals convicted of heat-of-passion homicides where provocation previously led to a second-degree manslaughter charge. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.