The bill seeks to reform New Jersey's approach to non-violent drug offenses by eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, as recommended by the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission. It amends several sections of the New Jersey Statutes, specifically N.J.S.2C:35-3, N.J.S.2C:35-4, N.J.S.2C:35-5, N.J.S.2C:35-6, and N.J.S.2C:35-7, to remove the requirement for individuals convicted of these offenses to serve a minimum term of imprisonment before being eligible for parole. This legislative change aims to provide judges with greater discretion in sentencing, allowing them to consider factors such as the defendant's criminal history and the circumstances of the offense, thereby promoting a more rehabilitative approach to non-violent drug crimes.

In addition to eliminating mandatory minimum sentences, the bill also modifies existing legal language regarding parole ineligibility and probation. It retains the ability for courts to impose significant fines and extended terms of imprisonment where appropriate, while removing the automatic imposition of minimum terms that previously limited judicial discretion. The bill clarifies that a conviction under these provisions will not merge with other drug-related convictions and establishes guidelines for the admissibility of evidence in related prosecutions. Overall, the legislation aims to balance the need for accountability in drug offenses with a focus on rehabilitation, particularly for non-violent offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:35-7