Bill > S907

This bill requires the State Parole Board to release adult inmates at their initial parole eligibility date under specific circumstances, even if they would normally be subject to stricter review under the No Early Release Act, which is a law that prevents parole for certain inmates convicted of violent crimes. Specifically, an inmate must be released if they have not been previously convicted of or are not currently serving time for a violent crime as defined by a specific statute (N.J.S.2C:43-7.2), have not committed serious disciplinary infractions during their current period of incarceration, and have fully participated in or cooperated with all prescribed treatment offered while in prison, or attempted to participate but were prevented by circumstances beyond their control. If an inmate meets these criteria, a parole hearing is not required, and they will be released under the supervision of the Division of Parole, subject to standard parole conditions, with the possibility of revocation if they violate parole. The bill also mandates that any cost savings resulting from these releases be allocated to the Office of Victim Services for programs supporting victims and inmate reentry.