This bill (S 909) increases penalties for repeated stalking and harassment offenses in New Jersey. It upgrades second or subsequent stalking offenses to a third-degree crime (previously fourth-degree), requiring a mandatory three-year prison sentence with no parole eligibility. Similarly, second or subsequent harassment offenses would become third-degree crimes (up from a petty disorderly persons offense), also carrying the same mandatory three-year sentence. The changes apply to all repeat offenses, not just against the same victim as current law, and affect anyone convicted of these crimes.
This bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.
This bill (S 363) expands the list of crimes that prevent inmates from being automatically released on administrative parole under New Jersey’s "Earn Your Way Out" Act (P.L.2019, c.364). It adds specific serious offenses - including human trafficking, child pornography, drug trafficking leadership, aggravated arson, and terrorism-related crimes - to the existing exclusion list, making individuals convicted of these crimes ineligible for automatic parole even if they meet other criteria. The bill affects inmates serving sentences for these newly listed offenses, who would previously have qualified for parole under the 2019 law if they completed rehabilitation programs and had no disciplinary issues. The policy change clarifies that these offenses, defined as first-degree crimes punishable by 10-20 years in prison, are excluded from the automatic parole process.
This bill (S 2404) amends New Jersey law to require life imprisonment without parole for anyone convicted of murdering an emergency responder (such as EMTs, firefighters, or paramedics) while they are performing official duties or due to their status as a responder. It expands an existing provision that already mandates this sentence for murders of law enforcement officers. The key change adds "emergency responder" to the list of protected individuals under the sentencing rule, replacing the previous 30-year parole eligibility period with a mandatory life sentence. This applies specifically to cases where the victim was engaged in their duties or targeted because of their role.
S 2869 amends New Jersey law to require that certain human trafficking convictions (specifically those involving sexual exploitation or child victims) be sentenced under the No Early Release Act. This means offenders must serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole, rather than standard parole eligibility rules. The bill also mandates restitution to victims based on the value of their labor and directs fines to the Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund. It directly affects individuals convicted of severe human trafficking crimes under the amended sections of N.J.S. 2C:13-8. The legislation aims to increase accountability for traffickers while providing financial support to victims.
This bill increases penalties for fentanyl offenses under New Jersey law. It classifies possessing or distributing five ounces or more of fentanyl (including impurities) as a first-degree crime, mandating a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence without parole eligibility, plus fines up to $500,000. The law specifically targets fentanyl trafficking, raising the threshold for the most severe penalties compared to other drugs like heroin or methamphetamine. It directly affects individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing fentanyl in quantities meeting the new thresholds. The bill amends existing New Jersey statute N.J.S.2C:35-5 to implement these stricter penalties.
S 1011 establishes "gang shoplifting" as a third-degree crime in New Jersey, targeting coordinated group actions at retail stores. It applies when two or more people enter a store openly and either steal items without paying full retail value or tamper with property to endanger people or damage the store. The law mandates a minimum one-year prison term with no parole eligibility for offenders, in addition to potential fines up to $15,000. This bill specifically addresses incidents involving organized groups, such as flash mobs, engaging in visible theft or property damage.
This New Jersey bill (S 596) would require courts to impose mandatory minimum prison terms for anyone convicted of crimes against elderly people aged 60 or older. The minimum sentence would be one-third to one-half of the total prison term, during which offenders could not be released on parole. It defines "elderly person" as anyone 60 years or older under New Jersey law. The bill aims to ensure longer incarceration periods for crimes targeting older adults, applying to all offenses committed against this group.
This bill (S 1126) requires immediate parole revocation for New Jersey parolees who assault or threaten law enforcement officers (or their family members) with the intent to cause imminent fear of death or physical harm. It directly affects parolees convicted of or arrested for such acts, mandating that the Parole Board detain them and begin revocation proceedings without waiting for a criminal conviction. Key provisions include: (1) applying to threats made to officers' spouses, parents, children, or other household relatives; (2) extending protection to retired officers based on their former status; and (3) requiring the threat to create a belief of immediate danger. The bill does not change existing parole revocation for other crimes but adds specific triggers for officer-related offenses.
This bill upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime when a person was present during the offense, making it punishable by 5-10 years in prison (previously a third-degree crime with 3-5 years). It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a home while occupants were present, requiring them to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. The law amends existing burglary statutes and enforces the "No Early Release Act" (NERA), which mandates this extended incarceration period for qualifying offenses. This change applies specifically to burglaries in occupied dwellings, not all burglary cases.
