An Act concerning parole and revising various parts of the statutory law.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Section 1 of P.L.2001, c.79 (C.30:4-123.47c) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. The [Bureau of Parole in the Department of Corrections] Division of Parole in the State Parole Board is hereby constituted as the Division of Parole in the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections, and all functions, powers and duties of the existing [Bureau] Division of Parole are hereby transferred to the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections.

b. All files, books, papers, records, equipment and other property of the [Bureau] Division of Parole in the [Department of Corrections] State Parole Board shall be transferred to the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections.

c. All appropriations and other moneys available and to become available to the [Bureau] Division of Parole in the [Department of Corrections] State Parole Board, the functions, powers and duties of which have been assigned or transferred herein, or to the [Department of Corrections] State Parole Board on behalf of the [Bureau] Division of Parole, including such funds as are appropriated for the administration of the [Bureau] Division of Parole, are hereby transferred to the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections and shall be available for the objects and purposes for which appropriated, subject to any terms, restrictions, limitations or other requirements imposed by State or federal law.

d. The employees of the [Bureau] Division of Parole in the [Department of Corrections] State Parole Board are hereby transferred to the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections.

e. Nothing in P.L.2001, c.79 (C.30:4-123.47c et al.) or P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be construed to deprive any person of any tenure rights or of any right or protection provided him by Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes, Civil Service, or under any pension law or retirement system.

f. P.L.2001, c.79 (C.30:4-123.47c et al.) or P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall not affect actions or proceedings, civil or criminal, brought by or against the [Bureau] Division of Parole in the [Department of Corrections] State Parole Board, the functions, powers and duties of which have been herein assigned or transferred to the [State
Parole Board] Department of Corrections.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.1)

2. Section 1 of PL.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Parole Act of 1979."

b. In this act, unless a different meaning is plainly required:

(1) "Adult inmate" means any person sentenced as an adult to a term of incarceration.

(2) "Juvenile inmate" means any person under commitment as a juvenile delinquent pursuant to section 25 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-44).

(3) "Parole release date" means that date certified by a member of the board for release of an inmate after a review of the inmate's case pursuant to section 11, 13 or 14 of this act.

(4) "Primary parole eligibility date" means that date established for parole eligibility for adult inmates pursuant to section 7 or 20 of this act.

(5) "Public notice" shall consist of lists including names of all inmates being considered for parole, the county from which he was committed and the crime for which he was incarcerated. At least 30 days prior to parole consideration such lists shall be forwarded to the prosecutor's office of each county, the sentencing court, the office of the Attorney General, any other criminal justice agencies whose information and comment may be relevant, and news organizations.

(6) Removal for "cause" means such substantial cause as is plainly sufficient under the law and sound public policy touching upon qualifications appropriate to a member of the parole board or the administration of said board such that the public interest precludes the member's continuance in office. Such cause includes, but is not limited to, misconduct in office, incapacity, inefficiency and nonfeasance.

(7) "Commission" means the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170).

(8) "Parole officer" means, with respect to an adult inmate, an officer assigned by the [Chairman of the State Parole Board] Division of Parole or his designee and, with respect to a juvenile inmate, a person assigned by the commission.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.2)

3. Section 1 of P.L.1997, c.215 (C.30:4-123.47a) is amended to read as follows:

1. There is hereby established a Parole Advisory Board in, but not of, the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections. Notwithstanding the allocation of the board within the [State Parole Board] division, the [State Parole Board] division or any employee thereof shall not exercise any control over the Parole Advisory Board. The advisory board shall consist of 23 members. It shall include in its membership the [Chairman of the State Parole Board] Director of Parole Supervision in the Department of Corrections or his designee, who shall serve ex officio; one member representing each of the following organizations and groups, who shall be appointed by the Governor: [the Department of Corrections,] the State Parole Board, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Governor, the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Victims of Crime Compensation Board, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Correctional Association, the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, the Sheriffs' Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Wardens Association, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Parole and Probation Association, Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the community at large, treatment providers, victims' rights groups and former inmates who have successfully completed parole. Two members of the Senate, who shall not be of the same political party and who shall serve during their terms of office, shall be appointed by the President of the Senate. Two members of the General Assembly, who shall not be of the same political party and who shall serve during their terms of office, shall be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly.

Members of the advisory board shall be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate, and serve a term of three years, except for the initial gubernatorial appointees, six of whom shall serve for two years and six of whom shall serve for four years. Each member shall serve for the term of appointment and until a successor is appointed. A member may be reappointed to the advisory board. A member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring in the membership of the advisory board for any reason other than the expiration of the term shall serve a term of appointment for the unexpired term only. All vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Any appointed member of the advisory board, except the legislative members, may be removed from the advisory board by the Governor, for cause, after a hearing, and may be suspended by the Governor pending the completion of the hearing. Legislative members may be removed for cause by the leader of their respective houses. Motions and resolutions may be adopted by the advisory board at a board meeting by an affirmative vote of not less than 12 members.

Members of the advisory board shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses of serving on the board, to the extent that funds are available for this purpose.

The advisory board shall organize as soon as possible after the appointment of its members. The members shall select a chair from among their number.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.3)

4. Section 2 of P.L.1997, c.215 (C.30:4-123.47b) is amended to read as follows:

2. It shall be the duty of the advisory board to review and comment on supervision issues, the development and implementation of drug and alcohol treatment programs for parolees, and any other issues as requested by the [State Parole Board] Commissioner of Corrections, taking into consideration all relevant research conducted by the Division of Parole. The advisory board shall sponsor conferences with criminal justice administrators and community members, including treatment providers, in order to educate all interested parties in the importance of relapse prevention and treatment for specialized cases, and to address issues such as lowering costs, developing protocols for confidentiality, identifying the type and amount of treatment that should be available, and promoting community involvement in the reintegration process. The advisory board may make recommendations to the Commissioner of Corrections, the Chairman of the State Parole Board, the Legislature and the Governor in these matters.

The advisory board shall meet at least semiannually and may hold hearings at any place or places it shall designate during the sessions or recesses of the Legislature. The [State Parole Board] Division of Parole shall have primary responsibility for providing staff services and other necessary support to the board. The advisory board may also request the assistance and services of the employees of any State, county or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, task force or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. The advisory board may, within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to it for its purposes, employ stenographic and clerical assistants and incur travel and miscellaneous expenses necessary for the performance of its duties.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.4)

5. Section 4 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.48) is amended to read as follows:

4. a. All policies and determinations of the Parole Board shall be made by the majority vote of the members.

b. Except where otherwise noted, parole determinations on individual cases pursuant to this act shall be made by the majority vote of a quorum of the appropriate board panel established pursuant to this section.

c. The chairman of the board shall be the chief executive officer of the board and, after consulting with the board, shall be responsible for designating the time and place of all board meetings, for appointing the board's employees, for organizing, controlling and directing the work of the board and its employees, and for preparation and justification of the board's budget. Only the employees in those titles and positions as are designated by the Civil Service Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the chairman and shall not be subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes. All other employees, including hearing officers, shall be in the career service and subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes. All such career service employees who are employed by the State Parole Board on September 5, 2001, and in the case of hearing officers, those who have been employed by the State Parole Board for a period of at least one year prior to the effective date of P.L.2005, c.344, shall have permanent career service status with seniority awarded from the date of their appointments. Parole officers assigned to supervise adult parolees and all supervisory titles associated with the supervision of adult parolees in the parole officer series shall be classified employees subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes. Parole officers assigned to supervise adult parolees and all supervisory titles associated with the supervision of adult parolees in the parole officer job classification series shall be organizationally assigned to the [State Parole Board] Department of Corrections with a sworn member of the Division of Parole appointed to act as director of parole supervision. The director of parole supervision shall report directly to the [Chairman of the State Parole Board] Commissioner of Corrections or to such person as the [chairman] commissioner may designate.

d. The board shall promulgate such reasonable rules and regulations, consistent with this act, as may be necessary for the proper discharge of its responsibilities. The chairman shall file such rules and regulations with the Secretary of State. The provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) shall apply to the promulgation of rules and regulations concerning policy and administration, but not to other actions taken under this act, such as parole hearings, parole revocation hearings and review of parole cases. In determination of its rules and regulations concerning policy and administration, the board shall consult the Governor, the Commissioner of Corrections and the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170).

e. The board, in conjunction with the Department of Corrections and the Juvenile Justice Commission, shall develop a uniform information system in order to closely monitor the parole process. Such system shall include participation in the Uniform Parole Reports of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.

f. The board shall transmit a report of its work for the preceding fiscal year, including information on the causes and extent of parole recidivism, to the Governor, the Legislature and the Juvenile Justice Commission annually. The report also may include relevant information on compliance with established time frames in the processing of parole eligibility determinations, the effectiveness of any pertinent legislative or administrative measures, and any recommendations to enhance board operations or to effectuate the purposes of the "Parole Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et al.).

g. The board shall give public notice prior to considering any adult inmate for release.

h. The board shall give notice to the appropriate prosecutor's office and to the committing court prior to the initial consideration of any juvenile inmate for release.

(cf: P.L.2008, c.29, s.90)

6. Section 3 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.30:4-123.51b) is amended to read as follows:

3. a. A person who has been sentenced to a term of parole supervision and is on release status in the community pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2) shall, during the term of parole supervision, remain on release status in the community, in the legal custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, and shall be supervised by the Division of Parole [of the State Parole Board] as if on parole, and shall be subject to the provisions and conditions set by the appropriate board panel. The appropriate board panel shall have the authority, in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in sections 15 through 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59 through 30:4-123.65), to revoke the person's release status and return the person to custody for the remainder of the term or until it is determined, in accordance with regulations adopted by the board, that the person is again eligible for release consideration pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.53).

b. The [Parole Board] Commissioner of Corrections shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this act pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).

c. A person who has been sentenced to a term of parole supervision for life pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1994, c.130 (C.2C:43-6.4) shall, during the term of parole supervision, remain in the legal custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, be supervised by the Division of Parole [of the State Parole Board], and be subject to the provisions and conditions set by the appropriate board panel in accordance with the procedures and standards set forth in sections 15 through 19 and 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59 through 30:4-123.63 and 30:4-123.65). If the parolee violates a condition of a special sentence of parole supervision for life, the parolee shall be subject to the provisions of sections 16 through 19 and 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60 through 30:4-123.63 and 30:4-123.65), and may be returned to prison. If revocation and return to custody are desirable pursuant to the provisions of section 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.63), the appropriate board panel shall revoke parole and return the parolee to prison for a specified length of time between 12 and 18 months, which shall not be reduced by commutation time for good behavior pursuant to R.S.30:4-140 or credits for diligent application of work and other institutional assignments pursuant to R.S.30:4-92; provided, however, that nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed or applied to reduce the time that must be served after revocation of parole by a parolee returned to prison for a violation of a condition of any other term of parole supervision. Upon the parolee's release from prison, the parolee shall continue to serve the special sentence of parole supervision for life until released by the Superior Court pursuant to subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.130 (C.2C:43-6.4). For the purpose of calculating the limitation on time served pursuant to section 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.65), the custodial term imposed upon the parolee related to the special sentence of parole supervision for life shall be deemed to be a term of life imprisonment. For the purpose of establishing a primary parole eligibility date pursuant to subsection h. of section 7 of P.L.1979, c. 441 (C.30:4-123.51), the specific period of incarceration required to be served pursuant to this subsection shall not be aggregated with a term of imprisonment imposed on the parolee for the commission of any other offense. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude or limit the prosecution or conviction for any crime defined in any law of this State, or to limit in any manner the State's ability to pursue both a criminal action and a parole violation pursuant to the provisions of this section or any other law.

(cf: P.L.2003, c.267, s.2)

7. Section 1 of PL.1997, c.214 (C.30:4-123.51c) is amended to read as follows:

1. a. (1) For the purpose of this section, "terminal condition, disease or syndrome" means a prognosis by the licensed physicians designated by the Commissioner of Corrections pursuant to subsection b. of this section that an inmate has six months or less to live.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the appropriate board panel may release on medical parole any inmate serving any sentence of imprisonment who has been diagnosed pursuant to subsection b. of this section as suffering from a terminal condition, disease or syndrome and is found by the appropriate board panel to be so debilitated or incapacitated by the terminal condition, disease or syndrome as to be permanently physically incapable of committing a crime if released on parole. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et seq.) to the contrary, the appropriate board panel may release any such inmate at any time during the term of the sentence. An inmate placed on parole pursuant to this section shall be subject to custody, supervision and conditions as provided in section 15 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59) and shall be subject to sanctions for a violation of a condition of parole as provided in sections 16 through 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60 through 30:4-123.65).

(3) No inmate serving any sentence for a violation of N.J.S.2C:11-3; N.J.S.2C:11-4; N.J.S.2C:13-1; subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-2; N.J.S.2C:15-1 in which the inmate, while in the course of committing the theft, attempted to kill another, or purposely inflicted or attempted to inflict serious bodily injury, or was armed with or used or threatened the immediate use of a deadly weapon; subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:17-1; or N.J.S.2C:24-4 or an attempt to commit any of these offenses shall be eligible for the medical parole authorized under paragraph (2) of this section.

b. A medical diagnosis that an inmate is suffering from a terminal condition, disease or syndrome shall be made by two licensed physicians designated by the Commissioner of Corrections. The diagnosis shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) a description of the terminal condition, disease or syndrome;

(2) a prognosis concerning the likelihood of recovery from the terminal condition, disease or syndrome;

(3) a description of the inmate's physical incapacity; and

(4) a description of the type of ongoing treatment that would be required if the inmate were released on medical parole.

c. A request for a medical diagnosis to determine whether an inmate is eligible for a medical parole under this section may be submitted to the appropriate board panel by the Commissioner of Corrections, the administrator or superintendent of a correctional facility; the inmate; a member of the inmate's family or the inmate's attorney. The request shall be submitted in a manner and form prescribed by the board.

d. At least five working days prior to commencing its review of a request for a medical parole, the appropriate board panel shall notify the appropriate sentencing court; county prosecutor or, if the matter was prosecuted by the Attorney General, the Attorney General; and any victim or member of the family of a victim entitled to notice relating to a parole or the consideration of a parole under the provisions of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et seq.). The notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by the board and shall contain all such information and documentation relating to the medical diagnosis prepared pursuant to subsection b. of this section as the board shall deem appropriate and necessary.

Upon receipt of the notice, the sentencing court; county prosecutor or Attorney General, as the case may be; the victim or member of the family of the victim, as the case may be, shall have 10 working days to review the notice and submit comments to the appropriate board panel. If a recipient of the notice does not submit comments within that 10-day period following the receipt of the notice, the panel may presume that the recipient does not wish to submit comments and proceed with its consideration of the request for medical parole. Any comments provided by a recipient shall be delivered to the appropriate board panel in the same manner or by the same method as notice was given by the panel to that recipient.

The information contained in any notice given by a panel pursuant to this subsection and the contents of any comments submitted by a recipient in response thereto shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person who is not authorized to receive or review that information or those comments.

Notice given under the provisions of this subsection shall be in lieu of any other notice of parole consideration required under P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et seq.).

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to impair any party's right to be heard pursuant to P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.45 et seq.).

e. The appropriate board panel shall conduct its review of a request for medical parole as expeditiously as possible.

The appropriate board panel shall provide written notice of its decision to the sentencing court; the county prosecutor or Attorney General, as the case may be; and any victim or member of a victim' s family given notice pursuant to subsection d. of this section.

f. Whenever an inmate is granted medical parole pursuant to this section, the appropriate board shall require, as a condition precedent to release, that the inmate's release plan include:

(1) identification of a community sponsor;

(2) verification of the availability of appropriate medical services sufficient to meet the treatment requirements identified pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection b. of this section; and

(3) verification of appropriate housing which may include, but need not be limited to, a hospital, hospice, nursing home facility or other housing accommodation suitable to the inmate's medical condition, disease or syndrome.

g. In addition to any conditions imposed pursuant to section 15 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59), as a condition of release on medical parole, the appropriate board panel may require an inmate to submit to periodic medical diagnoses by a licensed physician.

h. If, after review of a medical diagnosis required under the provisions of subsection g. of this section, the appropriate board panel determines that a parolee released on medical parole is no longer so debilitated or incapacitated by a terminal condition, disease or syndrome as to be physically incapable of committing a crime, the parolee shall be returned to confinement in an appropriate facility designated by the Commissioner of Corrections.

A decision to return the parolee to confinement pursuant to this subsection shall be rendered only after a hearing by the appropriate board panel or by a hearing officer designated by the chairman of the board. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the board, an appropriate board panel or parole officer [of the State Parole Board] to address a violation of a condition of parole pursuant to sections 16 through 21 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60 through 30:4-123.65).

i. The denial of a request for medical parole or the return of a parolee to confinement under the provisions of subsection h. of this section shall not preclude that inmate from being considered for parole pursuant to subsection a. of section 7 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.51).

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.7)

8. Section 15 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.59) is amended to read as follows:

15. a. Each adult parolee shall at all times remain in the legal custody of the Commissioner of Corrections and under the supervision of the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole and each juvenile parolee shall at all times remain in the legal custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170), except that the Commissioner of Corrections or the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, after providing notice to the Attorney General, may consent to the supervision of a parolee by the federal government pursuant to the Witness Security Reform Act, Pub.L.98-473 (18 U.S.C. s.3521 et seq.). An adult parolee, except those under the Witness Security Reform Act, shall remain under the supervision of the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole and in the legal custody of the Department of Corrections, and a juvenile parolee, except those under the Witness Security Reform Act, shall remain under the supervision of the Juvenile Justice Commission, as appropriate, in accordance with the policies and rules of the board.

b. (1) Each parolee shall agree, as evidenced by his signature to abide by specific conditions of parole established by the appropriate board panel which shall be enumerated in writing in a certificate of parole and shall be given to the parolee upon release. Such conditions shall include, among other things, a requirement that the parolee conduct himself in society in compliance with all laws and refrain from committing any crime, a requirement that the parolee will not own or possess any firearm as defined in subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-1 or any other weapon enumerated in subsection r. of N.J.S.2C:39-1, a requirement that the parolee refrain from the use, possession or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or imitation controlled dangerous substance as defined in N.J.S.2C:35-2 and N.J.S.2C:35-11, a requirement that the parolee obtain permission from his parole officer for any change in his residence, and a requirement that the parolee report at reasonable intervals to an assigned parole officer. In addition, based on prior history of the parolee or information provided by a victim or a member of the family of a murder victim, the member or board panel certifying parole release pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.55) may impose any other specific conditions of parole deemed reasonable in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence of criminal or delinquent behavior, including a requirement that the parolee comply with the Internet access conditions set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection. Such special conditions may include, among other things, a requirement that the parolee make full or partial restitution, the amount of which restitution shall be set by the sentencing court upon request of the board. In addition, the member or board panel certifying parole release may, giving due regard to a victim's request, impose a special condition that the parolee have no contact with the victim, which special condition may include, but need not be limited to, restraining the parolee from entering the victim's residence, place of employment, business or school, and from harassing or stalking the victim or victim's relatives in any way. Further, the member, board panel or board certifying parole release may impose a special condition that the person shall not own or possess an animal for an unlawful purpose or to interfere in the performance of duties by a parole officer.

(2) In addition, the member or board panel certifying parole release may impose on any person who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for the commission of a sex offense as defined in subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), and who is required to register as provided in subsections c. and d. of section 2 of P.L.1994, c.133 (C.2C:7-2), or who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for a violation of N.J.S.2C:34-3 any of the following Internet access conditions:

(a) Prohibit the person from accessing or using a computer or any other device with Internet capability without the prior written approval of the court, except the person may use a computer or any other device with Internet capability in connection with that person's employment or search for employment with the prior approval of the person's parole officer;

(b) Require the person to submit to periodic unannounced examinations of the person's computer or any other device with Internet capability by a parole officer, law enforcement officer or assigned computer or information technology specialist, including the retrieval and copying of all data from the computer or device and any internal or external peripherals and removal of such information, equipment or device to conduct a more thorough inspection;

(c) Require the person to submit to the installation on the person's computer or device with Internet capability, at the person's expense, one or more hardware or software systems to monitor the Internet use; and

(d) Require the person to submit to any other appropriate restrictions concerning the person's use or access of a computer or any other device with Internet capability.

c. The appropriate board panel may in writing relieve a parolee of any parole conditions, and may permit a parolee to reside outside the State pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Act for Out-of-State Parolee Supervision (N.J.S.2A:168-14 et seq.), the Interstate Compact on Juveniles, P.L.1955, c.55 (C.9:23-1 to 9:23-4), and, with the consent of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission after providing notice to the Attorney General, the federal Witness Security Reform Act, if satisfied that such change will not result in a substantial likelihood that the parolee will commit an offense which would be a crime under the laws of this State. The appropriate board panel may revoke such permission, except in the case of a parolee under the Witness Security Reform Act, or reinstate relieved parole conditions for any period of time during which a parolee is under its jurisdiction.

d. The appropriate board panel may parole an inmate to any residential facility funded in whole or in part by the State if the inmate would not otherwise be released pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.53) without such placement. But if the residential facility provides treatment for mental illness or mental retardation, the board panel only may parole the inmate to the facility pursuant to the laws and admissions policies that otherwise govern the admission of persons to that facility, and the facility shall have the authority to discharge the inmate according to the laws and policies that otherwise govern the discharge of persons from the facility, on 10 days' prior notice to the board panel. The board panel shall acknowledge receipt of this notice in writing prior to the discharge. Upon receipt of the notice the board panel shall resume jurisdiction over the inmate.

e. Parole officers shall provide assistance to the parolee in obtaining employment, education or vocational training or in meeting other obligations to assure the parolee's compliance with meeting legal requirements related to sex offender notification, address changes and participation in rehabilitation programs as directed by the assigned parole officer.

f. The board panel on juvenile commitments and the assigned parole officer shall insure that the least restrictive available alternative is used for any juvenile parolee.

g. If the board has granted parole to any inmate from a State correctional facility or juvenile facility and the court has imposed a fine on such inmate, the appropriate board panel shall release such inmate on condition that the parolee make specified fine payments to the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole or the Juvenile Justice Commission. For violation of such conditions, or for violation of a special condition requiring restitution, parole may be revoked only for refusal or failure to make a good faith effort to make such payment.

h. Upon collection of the fine the same shall be paid over by the Department of Corrections or by the Juvenile Justice Commission to the State Treasury.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.219, s.5)

9. Section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60) is amended to read as follows:

16. a. Any parolee who violates a condition of parole may be subject to an order pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.61) providing for one or more of the following: (1) That he be required to conform to one or more additional conditions of parole; (2) That he forfeit all or a part of commutation time credits granted pursuant to R.S.30:4-140.

b. Any parolee who has seriously or persistently violated the conditions of his parole, may have his parole revoked and may be returned to custody pursuant to sections 18 and 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.62 and 30:4-123.63). The board shall be notified immediately upon the arrest or indictment of a parolee or upon the filing of charges that the parolee committed an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime. The board shall not revoke parole on the basis of new charges which have not resulted in a disposition at the trial level except that upon application by the prosecuting authority, the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) or the Director of the [State Parole Board's] Division of Parole or his designee, the chairman of the board or his designee may at any time detain the parolee and commence revocation proceedings pursuant to sections 18 and 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.62 and 30:4-123.63) when the chairman determines that the new charges against the parolee are of a serious nature and it appears that the parolee otherwise poses a danger to the public safety. In such cases, a parolee shall be informed that, if he testifies at the revocation proceedings, his testimony and the evidence derived therefrom shall not be used against him in a subsequent criminal prosecution or delinquency adjudication.

c. Any parolee who is convicted of a crime or adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime, committed while on parole shall have his parole revoked and shall be returned to custody unless the parolee demonstrates, by clear and convincing evidence at a hearing pursuant to section 19 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.63), that
good cause exists why he should not be returned to confinement.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.141, s.5)

10. Section 18 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.62) is amended to read as follows:

18. a. (1) If a parole officer assigned to supervise a parolee has probable cause to believe that the parolee has violated a condition of his parole, such violation being a basis for return to custody pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60), a designated representative of the chairman of the board may issue a warrant for the arrest of the parolee if evidence indicates that the parolee may not appear at the preliminary hearing or if the parolee poses a danger to the public safety. With the parole warrant, a law enforcement officer may apprehend the delinquent parolee.

(2) If a parole officer assigned to supervise a parolee has probable cause to believe that the parolee has committed a crime, has committed an act or is about to commit an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime, is about to commit a crime or is about to flee the jurisdiction, which violation is a basis for return to custody pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60), and the situation is one of immediate emergency that cannot await the issuance of a warrant by a designated representative, the parole officer, by the parole officer's own warrant, may apprehend the parolee and cause his detention in a suitable facility designated by the Department of Corrections or the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170), as appropriate, or cause the parolee's confinement in an appropriate institution pending return to a facility designated by the Department of Corrections or the Juvenile Justice Commission, as appropriate, to await the conduction of a preliminary hearing. The warrant shall be in the form prescribed, as appropriate, by the Juvenile Justice Commission or by the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole and, when signed by the officer in charge of the case, shall be a sufficient instrument and authority to all peace officers to assist in the apprehension of the parolee. It shall also be sufficient authority for detention of the parolee in a suitable facility, to await the conduction of the preliminary hearing. Upon enforcement of the warrant, the appropriate board panel shall be promptly notified. No parolee held in custody on a parole warrant shall be entitled to release on bail.

b. A parolee retaken under this section shall within 14 days be granted a preliminary hearing to be conducted by a hearing officer not previously involved in the case, unless the parolee, the hearing officer, or the parole officer requests postponement of the preliminary hearing, which may be granted by the appropriate board panel for good cause, but in no event shall such postponement, if requested by the hearing officer or the parole officer, exceed 14 days.

c. The preliminary hearing shall be for the purpose of determining:

(1) Whether there is probable cause to believe that the parolee violated a condition of his parole being the basis for return to custody pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60), and

(2) Whether revocation and return to custody is desirable in the instant matter.

d. Prior to the preliminary hearing the parolee shall be provided with written notice of:

(1) The conditions of parole alleged to have been violated;

(2) The time, date, place and circumstances of the alleged violation;

(3) The possible action which may be taken by the board after a parole revocation hearing;

(4) The time, date and place of the preliminary hearing;

(5) The right pursuant to P.L.1974, c.33 (C.2A:158A-5.1 et seq.), to representation by an attorney or such other qualified person as the parolee may retain; and

(6) The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses.

e. The hearing officer who conducts the hearing shall make a summary or other record of said hearing.

f. If the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing does not support a finding of probable cause to believe that the parolee has violated a condition of his parole, such violation being a basis for return to custody pursuant to subsection b. of section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60), or if it is otherwise determined that revocation is not desirable, the hearing officer may, in accordance with the provisions of subsection a. of section 16 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.60) and section 17 of P.L.1979, c.441 (C.30:4-123.61), issue an order modifying parole and releasing the offender, or continuing parole and releasing the offender.

g. If the evidence presented at the preliminary hearing supports a finding of probable cause to believe that the parolee has violated a condition of his parole, the hearing officer shall determine whether the parolee shall be retained in custody or released on specific conditions pending action by the appropriate board panel.

h. Conviction of a crime committed while on parole or adjudication of delinquency for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime shall be deemed to constitute probable cause to believe that the parolee has violated a condition of parole.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.12.)

11. Section 3 of P.L.1993, c.246 (C.43:16A-1.4) is amended to read as follows:

3. If the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fireman's Retirement System of New Jersey makes a determination, pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1989, c.204 (C.43:16A-1.2), that the parole officers employed by the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections are eligible for membership in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-1), the enrollment of those parole officers shall occur no earlier that one year after the effective date of this section pursuant to P.L.1993, c.246 (C.43:16A-1.4 et al.).

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.13)

12. Section 1 of P.L.1968, c.427 (C.2A:154-4) is amended to read as follows:

1. All correction officers of the State of New Jersey, parole officers employed by the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections and investigators in the Department of Corrections, who have been or who may hereafter be appointed or employed, shall, by virtue of such appointment or employment and in addition to any other power or authority, be empowered to act as officers for the detection, apprehension, arrest and conviction of offenders against the law.

(cf: P.L.2001, c.79, s.14)

13. N.J.S.2C:39-6 is amended to read as follows:

2C:39-6. a. Provided a person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, N.J.S.2C:39-5 does not apply to:

(1) Members of the Armed Forces of the United States or of the National Guard while actually on duty, or while traveling between places of duty and carrying authorized weapons in the manner prescribed by the appropriate military authorities;

(2) Federal law enforcement officers, and any other federal officers and employees required to carry firearms in the performance of their official duties;

(3) Members of the State Police and, under conditions prescribed by the superintendent, members of the Marine Law Enforcement Bureau of the Division of State Police;

(4) A sheriff, undersheriff, sheriff's officer, county prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, prosecutor's detective or investigator, deputy attorney general or State investigator employed by the Division of Criminal Justice of the Department of Law and Public Safety, investigator employed by the State Commission of Investigation, inspector of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Bureau of the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety authorized to carry such weapons by the Superintendent of State Police, State park police officer, or State conservation officer;

(5) Except as hereinafter provided, a prison or jail warden of any penal institution in this State or his deputies, or an employee of the Department of Corrections engaged in the interstate transportation of convicted offenders, while in the performance of his duties, and when required to possess the weapon by his superior officer, or a corrections officer or keeper of a penal institution in this State at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided he annually passes an examination approved by the superintendent testing his proficiency in the handling of firearms;

(6) A civilian employee of the United States Government under the supervision of the commanding officer of any post, camp, station, base or other military or naval installation located in this State who is required, in the performance of his official duties, to carry firearms, and who is authorized to carry such firearms by said commanding officer, while in the actual performance of his official duties;

(7) (a) A regularly employed member, including a detective, of the police department of any county or municipality, or of any State, interstate, municipal or county park police force or boulevard police force, at all times while in the State of New Jersey;

(b) A special law enforcement officer authorized to carry a weapon as provided in subsection b. of section 7 of P.L.1985, c.439 (C.40A:14-146.14);

(c) An airport security officer or a special law enforcement officer appointed by the governing body of any county or municipality, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, or by the commission, board or other body having control of a county park or airport or boulevard police force, while engaged in the actual performance of his official duties and when specifically authorized by the governing body to carry weapons;

(8) A full-time, paid member of a paid or part-paid fire department or force of any municipality who is assigned full-time or part-time to an arson investigation unit created pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1981, c.409 (C.40A:14-7.1) or to the county arson investigation unit in the county prosecutor's office, while either engaged in the actual performance of arson investigation duties or while actually on call to perform arson investigation duties and when specifically authorized by the governing body or the county prosecutor, as the case may be, to carry weapons. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, such a member shall take and successfully complete a firearms training course administered by the Police Training Commission pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;

(9) A juvenile corrections officer in the employment of the Juvenile Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) subject to the regulations promulgated by the commission;

(10) A designated employee or designated licensed agent for a nuclear power plant under license of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, while in the actual performance of his official duties, if the federal licensee certifies that the designated employee or designated licensed agent is assigned to perform site protection, guard, armed response or armed escort duties and is appropriately trained and qualified, as prescribed by federal regulation, to perform those duties. Any firearm utilized by an employee or agent for a nuclear power plant pursuant to this paragraph shall be returned each day at the end of the employee's or agent's authorized official duties to the employee's or agent's supervisor. All firearms returned each day pursuant to this paragraph shall be stored in locked containers located in a secure area;

(11) A county corrections officer at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided he annually passes an examination approved by the superintendent testing his proficiency in the handling of firearms.

b. Subsections a., b. and c. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to:

(1) A law enforcement officer employed by a governmental agency outside of the State of New Jersey while actually engaged in his official duties, provided, however, that he has first notified the superintendent or the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or the prosecutor of the county in which he is engaged; or

(2) A licensed dealer in firearms and his registered employees during the course of their normal business while traveling to and from their place of business and other places for the purpose of demonstration, exhibition or delivery in connection with a sale, provided, however, that the weapon is carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section.

c. Provided a person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, subsections b. and c. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to:

(1) A special agent of the Division of Taxation who has passed an examination in an approved police training program testing proficiency in the handling of any firearm which he may be required to carry, while in the actual performance of his official duties and while going to or from his place of duty, or any other police officer, while in the actual performance of his official duties;

(2) A State deputy conservation officer or a full-time employee of the Division of Parks and Forestry having the power of arrest and authorized to carry weapons, while in the actual performance of his official duties;

(3) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1986, c.150.)

(4) A court attendant serving as such under appointment by the sheriff of the county or by the judge of any municipal court or other court of this State, while in the actual performance of his official duties;

(5) A guard in the employ of any railway express company, banking or building and loan or savings and loan institution of this State, while in the actual performance of his official duties;

(6) A member of a legally recognized military organization while actually under orders or while going to or from the prescribed place of meeting and carrying the weapons prescribed for drill, exercise or parade;

(7) A humane law enforcement officer of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, while in the actual performance of his duties;

(8) An employee of a public utilities corporation actually engaged in the transportation of explosives;

(9) A railway policeman, except a transit police officer of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided that he has passed an approved police academy training program consisting of at least 280 hours. The training program shall include, but need not be limited to, the handling of firearms, community relations, and juvenile relations;

(10) A campus police officer appointed under P.L.1970, c.211 (C.18A:6-4.2 et seq.) at all times. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a campus police officer shall take and successfully complete a firearms training course administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;

(11) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2003, c.168).

(12) A transit police officer of the New Jersey Transit Police Department, at all times while in the State of New Jersey, provided the officer has satisfied the training requirements of the Police Training Commission, pursuant to subsection c. of section 2 of P.L.1989, c.291 (C.27:25-15.1);

(13) A parole officer employed by the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections at all times. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a parole officer shall take and successfully complete a basic course for regular police officer training administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm;

(14) A Human Services police officer at all times while in the State of New Jersey, as authorized by the Commissioner of Human Services;

(15) A person or employee of any person who, pursuant to and as required by a contract with a governmental entity, supervises or transports persons charged with or convicted of an offense;

(16) A housing authority police officer appointed under P.L.1997, c.210 (C.40A:14-146.19 et al.) at all times while in the State of New Jersey; or

(17) A probation officer assigned to the "Probation Officer Community Safety Unit" created by section 2 of P.L.2001, c.362 (C.2B:10A-2) while in the actual performance of the probation officer's official duties. Prior to being permitted to carry a firearm, a probation officer shall take and successfully complete a basic course for regular police officer training administered by the Police Training Commission, pursuant to P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-66 et seq.), and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon prior to being permitted to carry a firearm.

d. (1) Subsections c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to antique firearms, provided that such antique firearms are unloaded or are being fired for the purposes of exhibition or demonstration at an authorized target range or in such other manner as has been approved in writing by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the exhibition or demonstration is held, or if not held on property under the control of a particular municipality, the superintendent.

(2) Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to an antique cannon that is capable of being fired but that is unloaded and immobile, provided that the antique cannon is possessed by (a) a scholastic institution, a museum, a municipality, a county or the State, or (b) a person who obtained a firearms purchaser identification card as specified in N.J.S.2C:58-3.

(3) Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to an unloaded antique cannon that is being transported by one eligible to possess it, in compliance with regulations the superintendent may promulgate, between its permanent location and place of purchase or repair.

(4) Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to antique cannons that are being loaded or fired by one eligible to possess an antique cannon, for purposes of exhibition or demonstration at an authorized target range or in the manner as has been approved in writing by the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the exhibition or demonstration is held, or if not held on property under the control of a particular municipality, the superintendent, provided that performer has given at least 30 days' notice to the superintendent.

(5) Subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-3 and subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 do not apply to the transportation of unloaded antique cannons directly to or from exhibitions or demonstrations authorized under paragraph (4) of subsection d. of this section, provided that the transportation is in compliance with safety regulations the superintendent may promulgate. Nor do those subsections apply to transportation directly to or from exhibitions or demonstrations authorized under the law of another jurisdiction, provided that the superintendent has been given 30 days' notice and that the transportation is in compliance with safety regulations the superintendent may promulgate.

e. Nothing in subsections b., c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a person keeping or carrying about his place of business, residence, premises or other land owned or possessed by him, any firearm, or from carrying the same, in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section, from any place of purchase to his residence or place of business, between his dwelling and his place of business, between one place of business or residence and another when moving, or between his dwelling or place of business and place where such firearms are repaired, for the purpose of repair. For the purposes of this section, a place of business shall be deemed to be a fixed location.

f. Nothing in subsections b., c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent:

(1) A member of any rifle or pistol club organized in accordance with the rules prescribed by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, in going to or from a place of target practice, carrying such firearms as are necessary for said target practice, provided that the club has filed a copy of its charter with the superintendent and annually submits a list of its members to the superintendent and provided further that the firearms are carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section;

(2) A person carrying a firearm or knife in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this State for the purpose of hunting, target practice or fishing, provided that the firearm or knife is legal and appropriate for hunting or fishing purposes in this State and he has in his possession a valid hunting license, or, with respect to fresh water fishing, a valid fishing license;

(3) A person transporting any firearm or knife while traveling:

(a) Directly to or from any place for the purpose of hunting or fishing, provided the person has in his possession a valid hunting or fishing license; or

(b) Directly to or from any target range, or other authorized place for the purpose of practice, match, target, trap or skeet shooting exhibitions, provided in all cases that during the course of the travel all firearms are carried in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section and the person has complied with all the provisions and requirements of Title 23 of the Revised Statutes and any amendments thereto and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; or

(c) In the case of a firearm, directly to or from any exhibition or display of firearms which is sponsored by any law enforcement agency, any rifle or pistol club, or any firearms collectors club, for the purpose of displaying the firearms to the public or to the members of the organization or club, provided, however, that not less than 30 days prior to the exhibition or display, notice of the exhibition or display shall be given to the Superintendent of the State Police by the sponsoring organization or club, and the sponsor has complied with such reasonable safety regulations as the superintendent may promulgate. Any firearms transported pursuant to this section shall be transported in the manner specified in subsection g. of this section;

(4) A person from keeping or carrying about a private or commercial aircraft or any boat, or from transporting to or from such vessel for the purpose of installation or repair a visual distress signaling device approved by the United States Coast Guard.

g. All weapons being transported under paragraph (2) of subsection b., subsection e., or paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection f. of this section shall be carried unloaded and contained in a closed and fastened case, gunbox, securely tied package, or locked in the trunk of the automobile in which it is being transported, and in the course of travel shall include only such deviations as are reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

h. Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any employee of a public utility, as defined in R.S.48:2-13, doing business in this State or any United States Postal Service employee, while in the actual performance of duties which specifically require regular and frequent visits to private premises, from possessing, carrying or using any device which projects, releases or emits any substance specified as being noninjurious to canines or other animals by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and which immobilizes only on a temporary basis and produces only temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air for the sole purpose of repelling canine or other animal attacks.

The device shall be used solely to repel only those canine or other animal attacks when the canines or other animals are not restrained in a fashion sufficient to allow the employee to properly perform his duties.

Any device used pursuant to this act shall be selected from a list of products, which consist of active and inert ingredients, permitted by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services.

i. Nothing in N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any person who is 18 years of age or older and who has not been convicted of a felony, from possession for the purpose of personal self-defense of one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather, is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. Any person in possession of any device in violation of this subsection shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00.

j. A person shall qualify for an exemption from the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-5, as specified under subsections a. and c. of this section, if the person has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course approved by the Police Training Commission.

Such exempt person shall not possess or carry a firearm until the person has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course and shall annually qualify in the use of a revolver or similar weapon. For purposes of this subsection, a "firearms training course" means a course of instruction in the safe use, maintenance and storage of firearms which is approved by the Police Training Commission. The commission shall approve a firearms training course if the requirements of the course are substantially equivalent to the requirements for firearms training provided by police training courses which are certified under section 6 of P.L.1961, c.56 (C.52:17B-71). A person who is specified in paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (6) of subsection a. of this section shall be exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

k. Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any financial institution, or any duly authorized personnel of the institution, from possessing, carrying or using for the protection of money or property, any device which projects, releases or emits tear gas or other substances intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or temporary identification.

l. Nothing in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent a law enforcement officer who retired in good standing, including a retirement because of a disability pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-6), section 7 of P.L.1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-7), section 1 of P.L.1989, c.103 (C.43:16A-6.1) or any substantially similar statute governing the disability retirement of federal law enforcement officers, provided the officer was a regularly employed, full-time law enforcement officer for an aggregate of four or more years prior to his disability retirement and further provided that the disability which constituted the basis for the officer's retirement did not involve a certification that the officer was mentally incapacitated for the performance of his usual law enforcement duties and any other available duty in the department which his employer was willing to assign to him or does not subject that retired officer to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 which would disqualify the retired officer from possessing or carrying a firearm, who semi-annually qualifies in the use of the handgun he is permitted to carry in accordance with the requirements and procedures established by the Attorney General pursuant to subsection j. of this section and pays the actual costs associated with those semi-annual qualifications, who is 75 years of age or younger, and who was regularly employed as a full-time member of the State Police; a full-time member of an interstate police force; a full-time member of a county or municipal police department in this State; a full-time member of a State law enforcement agency; a full-time sheriff, undersheriff or sheriff's officer of a county of this State; a full-time State or county corrections officer; a full-time county park police officer; a full-time county prosecutor's detective or investigator; a full-time federal law enforcement officer; or is a qualified retired law enforcement officer, as used in the federal "Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004," Pub.L. 108-277, domiciled in this State from carrying a handgun in the same manner as law enforcement officers exempted under paragraph (7) of subsection a. of this section under the conditions provided herein:

(1) The retired law enforcement officer shall make application in writing to the Superintendent of State Police for approval to carry a handgun for one year. An application for annual renewal shall be submitted in the same manner.

(2) Upon receipt of the written application of the retired law enforcement officer, the superintendent shall request a verification of service from the chief law enforcement officer of the organization in which the retired officer was last regularly employed as a full-time law enforcement officer prior to retiring. The verification of service shall include:

(a) The name and address of the retired officer;

(b) The date that the retired officer was hired and the date that the officer retired;

(d) A statement that, to the reasonable knowledge of the chief law enforcement officer, the retired officer is not subject to any of the restrictions set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3; and

(e) A statement that the officer retired in good standing.

(3) If the superintendent approves a retired officer's application or reapplication to carry a handgun pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, the superintendent shall notify in writing the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality wherein that retired officer resides. In the event the retired officer resides in a municipality which has no chief law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency, the superintendent shall maintain a record of the approval.

(4) The superintendent shall issue to an approved retired officer an identification card permitting the retired officer to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection. This identification card shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and shall be valid throughout the State. The identification card shall not be transferable to any other person. The identification card shall be carried at all times on the person of the retired officer while the retired officer is carrying a handgun. The retired officer shall produce the identification card for review on the demand of any law enforcement officer or authority.

(5) Any person aggrieved by the denial of the superintendent of approval for a permit to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection may request a hearing in the Superior Court of New Jersey in the county in which he resides by filing a written request for such a hearing within 30 days of the denial. Copies of the request shall be served upon the superintendent and the county prosecutor. The hearing shall be held within 30 days of the filing of the request, and no formal pleading or filing fee shall be required. Appeals from the determination of such a hearing shall be in accordance with law and the rules governing the courts of this State.

(6) A judge of the Superior Court may revoke a retired officer's privilege to carry a handgun pursuant to this subsection for good cause shown on the application of any interested person. A person who becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:58-3 shall surrender, as prescribed by the superintendent, his identification card issued under paragraph (4) of this subsection to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality wherein he resides or the superintendent, and shall be permanently disqualified to carry a handgun under this subsection.

(7) The superintendent may charge a reasonable application fee to retired officers to offset any costs associated with administering the application process set forth in this subsection.

m. Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent duly authorized personnel of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, while in the actual performance of duties, from possessing, transporting or using any device that projects, releases or emits any substance specified as being non-injurious to wildlife by the Director of the Division of Animal Health in the Department of Agriculture, and which may immobilize wildlife and produces only temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air for the purpose of repelling bear or other animal attacks or for the aversive conditioning of wildlife.

n. Nothing in subsection b., c., d. or e. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent duly authorized personnel of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, while in the actual performance of duties, from possessing, transporting or using hand held pistol-like devices, rifles or shotguns that launch pyrotechnic missiles for the sole purpose of frightening, hazing or aversive conditioning of nuisance or depredating wildlife; from possessing, transporting or using rifles, pistols or similar devices for the sole purpose of chemically immobilizing wild or non-domestic animals; or, provided the duly authorized person complies with the requirements of subsection j. of this section, from possessing, transporting or using rifles or shotguns, upon completion of a Police Training Commission approved training course, in order to dispatch injured or dangerous animals or for non-lethal use for the purpose of frightening, hazing or aversive conditioning of nuisance or
depredating wildlife.

(cf: P.L.2007, c.314, s.1)

14. Section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2) is amended to read as follows:

2. a. A court imposing a sentence of incarceration for a crime of the first or second degree enumerated in subsection d. of this section shall fix a minimum term of 85% of the sentence imposed, during which the defendant shall not be eligible for parole.

b. The minimum term required by subsection a. of this section shall be fixed as a part of every sentence of incarceration imposed upon every conviction of a crime enumerated in subsection d. of this section, whether the sentence of incarceration is determined pursuant to N.J.S.2C:43-6, N.J.S.2C:43-7, N.J.S.2C:11-3 or any other provision of law, and shall be calculated based upon the sentence of incarceration actually imposed. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not be construed or applied to reduce the time that must be served before eligibility for parole by an inmate sentenced to a mandatory minimum period of incarceration. Solely for the purpose of calculating the minimum term of parole ineligibility pursuant to subsection a. of this section, a sentence of life imprisonment shall be deemed to be 75 years.

c. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary and in addition to any other sentence imposed, a court imposing a minimum period of parole ineligibility of 85 percent of the sentence pursuant to this section shall also impose a five-year term of parole supervision if the defendant is being sentenced for a crime of the first degree, or a three-year term of parole supervision if the defendant is being sentenced for a crime of the second degree. The term of parole supervision shall commence upon the completion of the sentence of incarceration imposed by the court pursuant to subsection a. of this section unless the defendant is serving a sentence of incarceration for another crime at the time he completes the sentence of incarceration imposed pursuant to subsection a., in which case the term of parole supervision shall commence immediately upon the defendant's release from incarceration. During the term of parole supervision the defendant shall remain in release status in the community in the legal custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and shall be supervised by the [State Parole Board] Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections as if on parole and shall be subject to the provisions and conditions of section 3 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.30:4-123.51b).

d. The court shall impose sentence pursuant to subsection a. of this section upon conviction of the following crimes or an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these crimes:

(1) N.J.S.2C:11-3, murder;

(2) N.J.S.2C:11-4, aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter;

(3) N.J.S.2C:11-5, vehicular homicide;

(4) subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1, aggravated assault;

(5) subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1996, c.14 (C.2C:12-11), disarming a law enforcement officer;

(6) N.J.S.2C:13-1, kidnapping;

(7) subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-2, aggravated sexual assault;

(8) subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 and paragraph (1) of subsection c. of N.J.S.2C:14-2, sexual assault;

(9) N.J.S.2C:15-1, robbery;

(10) section 1 of P.L.1993, c.221 (C.2C:15-2), carjacking;

(11) paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:17-1, aggravated arson;

(12) N.J.S.2C:18-2, burglary;

(13) subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:20-5, extortion;

(14) subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1997, c.185 (C.2C:35-4.1), booby traps in manufacturing or distribution facilities;

(15) N.J.S.2C:35-9, strict liability for drug induced deaths;

(16) section 2 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-2), terrorism;

(17) section 3 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-3), producing or possessing chemical weapons, biological agents or nuclear or radiological devices;

(18) N.J.S.2C:41-2, racketeering, when it is a crime of the first degree:

(19) subsection i. of N.J.S.2C:39-9, firearms trafficking; or

(20) paragraph (3) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:24-4, causing or permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act, knowing that the act may be reproduced or reconstructed in any manner, or be part of an exhibition or performance.

e. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2001, c.129).

(cf: P.L.2013, c.136, s.4)

15. This act shall take effect on the first day of the third month following enactment.

STATEMENT

This bill provides for the reconstitution of the Division of Parole, presently allocated within the State Parole Board, in the Department of Corrections.

Prior to 2001, two agencies had the responsibility for parole: the State Parole Board and the Bureau of Parole in the Department of Corrections. The State Parole Board, which operates as an autonomous agency, determines when an inmate who is eligible for parole may be safely released. The Bureau of Parole in the Department of Corrections was charged with the responsibility of supervising an inmate once that inmate was released. P.L.2001, c.79 created the Division of Parole in the State Parole Board, consolidating the two agencies under one direct authority. This bill would reconstitute the Division of Parole in the Department of Corrections.