Provides that act of sexual penetration committed without victim's consent constitutes sexual assault; defines the terms "consent."

This New Jersey bill (S 277) clarifies and updates the state's sexual assault laws by explicitly defining "consent" as "freely given, knowledgeable, and informed agreement" and stating that sexual penetration without such consent constitutes sexual assault. It amends definitions of key terms like "sexual penetration" (including vaginal, anal, or oral contact) and "victim" to specify circumstances where consent cannot be given (e.g., if the victim is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or underage). The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by establishing clearer legal standards for prosecuting sexual assault, particularly in cases involving coercion, incapacitation, or minors. It does not change penalty structures but ensures consent is a central legal requirement for all sexual assault cases under the revised statute.