The proposed bill amends New Jersey's drug laws by eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses, specifically targeting crimes such as leading a narcotics trafficking network, operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, and manufacturing or distributing controlled substances. Key deletions from current law include the removal of mandatory minimum terms that previously required defendants to serve a specified portion of their sentence before being eligible for parole. This change aims to provide judges with greater flexibility in sentencing, particularly for non-violent drug offenses, while still allowing for significant fines and extended terms for serious offenses.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing legal language regarding parole ineligibility and probation, removing the ability for courts to waive or reduce minimum terms of parole ineligibility. It clarifies that convictions under these sections will not merge with other drug-related convictions and emphasizes that ignorance of proximity to school property or the presence of juveniles is not a valid defense in prosecutions. Overall, the legislation seeks to reform sentencing practices for non-violent drug offenses, focusing on rehabilitation rather than mandatory incarceration.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:35-7