N.J. will mass release inmates in response to COVID-19

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a new legislation, a first in the nation, that will grant an early release to more than 2000 inmates or parolees.

Mass release inmates

The legislation, entitled (S2519), will allow public health emergency credits to be awarded to certain inmates and parolees during a public health emergency. The early release legislation includes certain exclusions and prohibits inmates or parolees to contact their victims upon their release, according to a press statement released by the Governor’s office.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration has worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible and to stem the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Since March, the population in State correctional facilities has decreased by nearly 3,000 people (16%), including more than 1,200 people who were released under Executive Order 124. This dramatic reduction has allowed for critical social distancing as part of the fight against COVID-19.”

“Thanks to the efforts of our correctional leadership, the COVID-19 positivity rate among our incarcerated population is at an impressive low of 0.09%. But the threat of COVID-19 is still present,” continued Governor Murphy. “Reducing our prison population will undoubtedly further our mission to combat COVID-19. This law further reduces the prison population to allow for even more social distancing.”

Who is eligible?

Under the bill, public health emergency credits would be awarded to any adult inmate or juvenile who is within 365 days of their scheduled release. Credits would accrue at the rate of 122 days (four months) for each month, or portion of each month, served during the declared emergency with a maximum of 244 days (eight months) of remission to be awarded for any declared emergency period.

Credits would not to be awarded to anyone who is serving a sentence for murder or aggravated sexual assault or who has been deemed a repetitive, compulsive sex offender.

Additionally, the legislation does not include those incarcerated in federal prison or county jails, according to the press release.

Around 2,088 people are expected to be released Nov. 4, according to a preliminary estimate by the governor’s office.

Prisoners will get about four months knocked off their sentences for every month spent behind bars during a public health emergency.

Eight months is the maximum reduction.

Since New Jersey’s emergency officially began in March, thousands of people nearing the end of their sentences will automatically have eight months taken off.

Early releases will continue on a rolling basis as long as the public health emergency continues.

“Public health emergency credits will help expedite the release of certain inmates who are approaching the end of their sentences to reduce transmission to inmates and correctional facility staff. If we can enhance public health and safety by releasing eligible prisoners who are getting out anyway, we can effectively help reduce the spread of the virus in these facilities and reduce risk to the community upon their release.” said Assemblymembers Mukherji, Sumter, and Reynolds-Jackson in a joint statement.