Upgrades offense of criminal mischief if person damages or impairs operation of school bus in the presence of child under age 16.

This bill (S 660) upgrades penalties for damaging or impairing a school bus's operation when children under 16 are present. It makes such acts a fourth-degree crime (punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine) if no injury occurs, and a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fine) if bodily injury to a child results. The law directly affects individuals who damage school buses in the presence of children, such as vandals or reckless drivers. The change applies to any vehicle defined as a "school bus" under New Jersey law, including those operated by public agencies or private entities transporting children.