New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2585

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.

Impact

The bill specifically affects the recourse available to inmates who fell victim to systemic abuses during a documented period. By granting trauma credits, it facilitates a process for such inmates to receive a reduction in their sentences—specifically, a calculated remission based on the time served during the investigation period. This legislative change aims to rectify some of the injustices faced by these individuals due to the mistreatment and abuse facilitated by the very institution meant to rehabilitate them.

Summary

Bill A2585 requires the award of 'Edna Mahan trauma credits' to inmates who were incarcerated at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women during the period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional officers and staff. This measure is aimed at addressing the violations found by the U.S. Department of Justice and other state entities concerning the treatment of inmates at this facility, which came under scrutiny after serious allegations were raised, emphasizing the need for accountability in the corrections system.

Contention

Notably, the bill does not limit an inmate's eligibility for parole consideration, suggesting efforts to balance rehabilitation with accountability. The ongoing debates may revolve around the adequacy of these credits as a remedy for past abuses, and whether further reforms might be necessary to address the broader systemic issues identified in the facility. There are concerns about ensuring that such measures are enforced effectively to change the conditions within prisons more fundamentally and prevent similar abuses in the future.

Companion Bills

NJ S1155

Same As Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.

NJ A1977

Carry Over Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2888

Requires award of Edna Mahan trauma credits to inmates incarcerated during period of investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by correctional police officers and staff.

NJ SJR29

Makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct."

NJ A1770

Requires Special Investigations Division to issue monthly report on sexual abuse in State correctional facilities.

NJ A1903

Prohibits retaliation against inmates in State correctional facilities who report sexual abuse; criminalizes retaliation and failure to report abuse.

NJ SB1631

DCS; sexual abuse allegations; interviews

NJ S1077

Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees.

NJ A3494

Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees.

NJ A2609

Changes term "inmate" to "incarcerated person."

NJ A3439

Establishes the "Female Inmates' Rights Protection Act."

NJ HCR153

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Incrementally And Systematically Reduce The Number Of Inmates Incarcerated In Private, Out-of-state Correctional Facilities.

Similar Bills

NJ A5045

Concerns investigative genetic genealogy; appropriates $500,000.

NJ S2668

Codifies AG directive concerning criminal investigations of law enforcement use-of-force and in-custody deaths.

MS HB7

Criminal investigators; add to the 22nd Circuit Court District.

TX HB140

Relating to advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services, including the creation of the child protective investigations advisory committee and the abolition of the Family and Protective Services Council.

CA SB697

Determination of water rights: stream system.

MI HB4789

Health: other; individualized investigational treatment for certain patients suffering from a life-threatening or severely debilitating illness; provide for. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 of 2014 PA 345 (MCL 333.26451 et seq.) & adds sec. 2a.

TX HB318

Relating to the establishment of grant programs to provide financial assistance to qualified sheriff's departments in certain rural counties.

CA AB2321

Bureau of Investigations.