Gov. Chris Christie and some lawmakers have blamed the program for two homicides allegedly committed by inmates released early
Gov. Chris Christie delivers a speech at the Statehouse in this February file photo.TRENTON — Lawmakers today moved toward eliminating the state’s controversial early-release program, which allows some inmates out of prison six months ahead of schedule.
Gov. Chris Christie and some lawmakers have blamed the program for two homicides allegedly committed by inmates released early.
Christie accelerated the program’s repeal last month with a conditional veto of related legislation intended to broaden the Parole Board’s discretion to review cases. The Senate approved the conditional veto today, sending the measure to the Assembly.
"There are no more excuses left," Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said in a statement. "The Assembly must act immediately to repeal this dangerous failure of a law."
Senators overwhelmingly backed repealing the program, but not without some debate. Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex) criticized Christie for what she called personal attacks on Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer), who sponsored the program.
Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex), the only lawmaker to vote against repeal, was also critical, saying, "It wasn’t an assemblyman or a senator who killed these people."
Others said ending the program was overdue.
"Two New Jerseayns lost their lives because of inaction in this chamber," Sen. Tom Kean (R-Union) said.
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) did not say how her caucus would vote on the issue, but said in a statement that "clearly concerns have been raised that warrant re-examination" of the program.
Since the program began on Jan. 3, 363 inmates have been released early, according to the Parole Board. Twenty-two been arrested for new crimes. That includes Antoine Trent, 25, and Tyree Brown, 24, who were accused of attacking a police officer in Union Township last week.
Another former inmate, Quamere Redding, 19, has been charged with attacking and robbing a 49-year-old woman earlier this month in Bridgeton.
All three of them had been denied parole before being released early through the program, according to Parole Board Executive Director David Thomas.
Previous coverage:
• Senate budget hearing on N.J. early-release program focuses on policy
• Christie accelerates repeal of controversial early release program for N.J. inmates
• Gov. Christie seeks to halt early release of N.J. inmates with conditional veto
• GOP legislators start efforts to repeal early release program in N.J. prisons
• Two N.J. Republican legislators plan to introduce bill to repeal early inmate release