newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Sandra Bolden Cunningham on Monday announced the introduction of what they describe as a comprehensive package of bills designed to create a pathway to reform of New Jersey's criminal justice system and the rehabilitation of non-violent criminals.

The package of proposals includes a bill (S-907), which would require the State Parole Board to release non-violent offenders at the time of their first parole eligibility, unless the individual has committed a serious disciplinary infraction while incarcerated or has not participated in rehabilitation programs offered in prison.

A second proposal (S-881) would amend the existing statute to give judges and prosecutors additional discretion to admit certain offenders into a “drug court” program to emphasize substance abuse treatment over incarceration.

A third bill (S-876) would amend the liquor licensing law to allow licensees to employ ex-convicts without a special permit. Currently, licensees have to get the permission of the state to employ ex-offenders.

The remaining measure (S-878) would prohibit public and private employers from automatically disqualifying ex-convicts from employment.

Lesniak (D-Union) and Cunningham (D-Hudson) said the bills are designed to encourage drug treatment and rehabilitation and remove what they see as counterproductive barriers to employment of non-violent ex-offenders.

“This is a matter of fairness and fiscal sense for nonviolent offenders currently serving in the criminal justice system, and a matter of public safety for the rest of the state of New Jersey,” Cunningham said. “Under the current system, nonviolent offenders are warehoused with violent offenders, and often learn to become better criminals, rather than receive treatment for substance abuse that they so desperately need. These four bills will ensure that we direct our corrections spending to make a difference in the lives of nonviolent offenders, and that we ensure access to a job and the opportunity to support themselves upon release.”

"I am optimistic that the legislation proposed by Senators Lesniak and Cunningham will have a positive impact on recently released non-violent prisoners, who have paid their debt to society and are willing to now contribute to the greater good,” Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow said.

“This legislation aims to stop the cycle of crime and permit parolees to take an important first step toward productive lives. Commitment to these men and women returning to society should benefit us all and offer them the opportunity to reconstruct their lives in a productive way," Romankow continued. "I also consider expansion of the drug courts to be an important part of this entire package. Non-violent offenders who suffer from mental illness and addiction should be considered for treatment and diversion from the criminal justice system, when warranted."