This bill amends existing New Jersey law to include human trafficking-related crimes under the No Early Release Act (NERA), which mandates that individuals convicted of certain serious offenses serve a minimum percentage of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Specifically, the bill stipulates that individuals convicted of human trafficking, assisting in human trafficking, and commercial sexual abuse of a minor must serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for parole. The bill also revises the sentencing structure for human trafficking, establishing a term of imprisonment of 24 years to life, with the requirement that 85% of the sentence be served before parole eligibility.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties associated with these crimes, including a mandatory fine of at least $25,000 for human trafficking convictions, which will be directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." The changes aim to enhance the severity of penalties for human trafficking offenses and ensure that offenders serve a significant portion of their sentences, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting victims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:13-8, 2C:43-7.2