This bill revises New Jersey's parole laws to improve the procedures and conditions surrounding parole release and violations. It introduces new definitions such as "probable cause hearing" and "revocation hearing," clarifying the processes for assessing parole violations. The bill establishes that parole compliance credits can be earned and forfeited based on adherence to parole conditions, allowing for retroactive credits under certain circumstances. It also emphasizes the need for public notice prior to parole consideration and mandates the Parole Board to develop a uniform information system to monitor the parole process. Notably, the bill repeals previous laws concerning violations committed by parolees released due to overcrowding and removes references to juvenile inmates, focusing solely on adult inmates.

Additionally, the bill modifies the standards for parole revocation, specifying that certain violations, such as possession of marijuana or alcohol use, cannot solely lead to revocation. It establishes that a parolee must be informed that their testimony during revocation proceedings cannot be used against them in subsequent criminal prosecutions if the charges are serious. The bill also requires a review by a board panel within seven days for warrants issued against parolees suspected of violations and mandates written notice of rights and alleged violations before a probable cause hearing, which must occur within 14 days of detention. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance the transparency and effectiveness of the parole system while prioritizing public safety and rehabilitation over punitive measures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4-123.48, 30:4-123.53, 30:4-123.55, 30:4-123.56, 30:4-123.60, 30:4-123.62, 30:4-123.63, 30:4-123.64, 30:4-123.66, 2C:29-9, 30:4-123.76