ASSEMBLY LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 24

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 3, 1997

      The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 24.

      Assembly Bill No. 24 expands the rights of crime victims and affords them greater protection when the perpetrators of those crimes are released from prison. The bill permits victims and the families of murder victims to present information for consideration by the Parole Board in establishing the conditions of an inmate's release on parole. The bill further authorizes the Parole Board member or panel certifying parole release to impose, based on the information provided by a victim, special conditions barring the parolee from contacting the victim, entering the victim's home or workplace or harassing or stalking the victim.

      Under sections 4 and 5 of the "Parole Act of 1979" (P.L.1979, c.441; C.30:4-123.54 and 123.55), a victim injured as a result of a first or second-degree crime, or the nearest relative of a murder victim, may testify at a parole hearing or present a statement to be considered by the Parole Board in deciding whether to grant parole. This bill would broaden the role of victims by allowing them input concerning the conditions by which parolees must abide upon their release.

      The provisions of this bill are based upon a recommendation of the Governor's Study Commission on Parole.