summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes geriatric parole for inmates 65 years of age or older who have served a minimum of one-third their sentence and for inmates 60 years of age or older who have served one-half of their sentence. The appropriate board panel reviewing a request for geriatric parole is to consider the inmate's risk to public safety. Inmates who are serving a sentence for a sex offense as defined in Megan's Law or for committing or attempting to commit the following offenses are not eligible for geriatric parole: murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery, second degree arson, or terrorism. Additionally, inmates are not eligible for geriatric parole if serving a sentence for theft by deception, racketeering, or misapplication of entrusted property by a fiduciary in which the inmate caused the victim to suffer a loss of personal monetary savings as a result of fraud, misrepresentation, or violation of a fiduciary duty. The bill requires the board panel to notify the appropriate sentencing court, county prosecutor or Attorney General, and any victim or member of the family of a victim who are entitled to notice regarding parole. The sentencing court, county prosecutor or Attorney General, and any victim or member of the family of a victim would be afforded the opportunity to submit comments to the board panel. Under the bill, a denial of a request for geriatric parole does not preclude an inmate's eligibility for parole under current law.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new parole option called "geriatric parole" for certain eligible inmates. Under this bill, inmates who are 65 years or older and have served at least one-third of their sentence, or inmates who are 60 years or older and have served half of their sentence, can be considered for release. The parole board will assess the inmate's risk to public safety when reviewing their request. However, inmates convicted of certain serious offenses, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery, arson, terrorism, and specific types of fraud or racketeering that caused significant financial loss to victims, are not eligible for geriatric parole. The bill also mandates that the parole board notify the sentencing court, prosecutor, Attorney General, and any victims or their families about geriatric parole requests, giving them an opportunity to submit comments. Importantly, if an inmate is denied geriatric parole, they can still be considered for parole under existing laws.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A589 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/589_I1.HTM |
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