Increases penalties for purposely desecrating any public monument, insignia, symbol, or structure, or place of worship or burial.

S 1658 increases penalties for intentionally damaging or defacing protected sites, including public monuments, symbols, places of worship, or burial sites. The bill upgrades the offense from a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine) to a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail, $10,000 fine, or both). "Desecrate" is defined as defacing, damaging, or polluting these sites. This directly affects individuals who deliberately harm such locations. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.