S 2301 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Concerns resentencing and parole for certain juvenile defendants.

This bill (S 2301) changes sentencing for juveniles tried as adults in New Jersey who received 20+ years of parole ineligibility. It requires courts to consider youth-specific factors - like impulsivity, childhood trauma, or poverty - during sentencing and allows affected individuals to petition for resentencing after 10 years. At resentencing hearings, courts must evaluate whether the offense stemmed from "mitigating qualities of youth" or "irreparable corruption," using the same factors. Additionally, it mandates parole hearings at the 20-year mark, requiring the Parole Board to consider youth-related rehabilitation efforts and provide written reasoning for decisions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of John McKeon
John McKeon
DDemocratic
NJ
27