New Jersey would narrow reasons for denying adults parole

The Parole Board would replace expected parole-rule violations with a substantial likelihood of a New Jersey crime as a reason to deny release. This covers adults outside the separate administrative release process, at their first parole eligibility date and later dates after a denial. Evidence must show that a reason for denial is more likely true than not. Failure to cooperate with rehabilitation would remain a separate reason to deny release. The rules would start on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

The Parole Board would set custody terms capped at 364 days for parole violations without new criminal charges or convictions. The cap would cover people returned to custody for reasons other than new criminal charges or convictions. Good behavior and prison work credits would not shorten the required custody term. Prosecutors could still seek parole revocation based on pending criminal charges. The rules would start on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Parole officers would have to request early discharge. People must follow parole rules and their individual plans and pose no public safety risk. Court orders, other laws, and two excluded parole categories could bar requests. The board would presume discharge is appropriate but could deny it. People must finish any mandatory supervision before discharge. For cases outside the special review schedules, officers would request discharge after two years of parole supervision.

The Parole Board could grant early discharge without full payment of fines or court-ordered payments to victims. This payment rule would apply to people seeking discharge before their full parole term ends. People must have adjusted well to parole and no longer need supervision. They must have made diligent payment efforts or show that full payment is more likely than not infeasible. Legal exclusions still apply, and people must finish any mandatory supervision.