New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1792

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits forfeiture of inmate's commutation credits for minor disciplinary infractions and expands inmate's ability to restore certain forfeited credits.

Impact

Current procedures allow for the forfeiture of commutation credits under circumstances of misconduct. S1792 revises these conditions by allowing the restoration of credits if inmates exhibit positive behavior over a designated period. This amendment has significant implications for inmates nearing the end of their sentences, as it offers a clearer path to regaining lost time. Notably, the bill declares that certain categories of infractions, termed Category E in the New Jersey Administrative Code, should not result in forfeited credits, thereby reclassifying the consequences of non-serious misconduct.

Summary

Senate Bill S1792, introduced in the New Jersey 221st Legislature, addresses the rights of inmates by prohibiting the forfeiture of commutation credits for minor disciplinary infractions. The bill aims to expand an inmate's ability to restore previously forfeited credits, thereby enhancing their potential for earlier release based on good behavior. The bill categorizes disciplinary offenses and specifically shields lower-level infractions from affecting an inmate's earned credits. This legislative change reflects a shift towards more rehabilitative and fair treatment of inmates in the correctional system.

Contention

While the bill is focused on telling a narrative of rehabilitation rather than punishment, it is not without contention. Critics may argue that this leniency undermines discipline within correctional facilities, potentially jeopardizing safety and order. There may also be concerns about how effectively the provisions of the bill can be enforced. If enacted, S1792 would need to be closely monitored to assess its impact on inmate behavior and facility management practices, ensuring that it meets its intended rehabilitative goals without compromising the integrity of the correctional system.

Companion Bills

NJ A3296

Carry Over Prohibits forfeiture of inmate's commutation credits for minor disciplinary infractions and expands inmate's ability to restore certain forfeited credits.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3296

Prohibits forfeiture of inmate's commutation credits for minor disciplinary infractions and expands inmate's ability to restore certain forfeited credits.

NJ HB66

Provides relative to forfeiture of good time credit (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

NJ HB06738

An Act Concerning Compassionate Or Medical Parole And Credits Awarded For Release During An Emergency Declaration And Sentence Commutations By The Board Of Pardons And Paroles.

NJ HB1220

Relating to the restoration of certain inmates' good conduct time that is forfeited during a term of imprisonment.

NJ HB600

Seizure and forfeiture; prohibit waiver of forfeiture and revise standard of proof.

NJ HB337

Seizure and forfeiture; prohibit waiver of forfeiture and revise standard of proof.

NJ HB1678

To Authorize The Governor To Deny An Application For Pardon, Commutation Of Sentence, And Remission Of Fines And Forfeitures With Prejudice.

NJ HB1281

Civil forfeiture.

NJ A2478

Provides earned time credits to reduce parole eligibility date for inmates who participate in substance abuse treatment program.

NJ A1059

Establishes geriatric parole for certain eligible inmates.

Similar Bills

NJ A3296

Prohibits forfeiture of inmate's commutation credits for minor disciplinary infractions and expands inmate's ability to restore certain forfeited credits.

TX HB3474

Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures regarding proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including the service of process and delivery of documents related to the proceedings, the administration of oaths, and the management of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and the composition of certain juvenile boards; establishing a civil penalty; increasing certain court costs; authorizing fees.

MD SB45

Correctional Services - Restrictive Housing - Limitations (Maryland Mandela Act)

MD HB385

Correctional Services - Restrictive Housing - Limitations (Maryland Mandela Act)

IA SF619

A bill for an act relating to the natural hazard mitigation financing program, the disaster recovery housing assistance program, the disaster recovery new housing program, post-loss assignment of benefits, the licensing and regulation of adjusters, appraisers, and umpires, and the Iowa economic emergency fund, and providing penalties, making appropriations, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SF 591, SSB 1188.) Effective date: 04/22/2025, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: Conditional, 01/01/2024.

CT SB00167

An Act Concerning The Reporting Of Adverse Events By Hospitals And Outpatient Surgical Facilities.

MI HB4470

Corrections: prisoners; good time system; modify. Amends sec. 33 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.33) & repeals secs. 34 & 35 of 1893 PA 118 (MCL 800.34 & 800.35). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4468'23

NC S346

Marijuana Justice and Reinvestment Act