Your Legislators: Rible-Schroeder to Introduce Legislation Eliminating Early Release Provision

Assembly Republicans Dave Rible (R-Monmouth) and Bob Schroeder (R-Bergen) intend to sponsor legislation aimed at repealing the provision in a law signed by former Gov. Jon Corzine on his last day in office permitting the early release of inmates six months prior to the end of their sentences.

The original bill (A-4202) was approved in the Assembly on Jan. 11, 2010 and was signed into law one week later by outgoing Gov. Corzine.

Under the early release provision of the law, inmate Rondell Jones was freed on Jan. 24, 2011 after serving one year of a three-year sentence for drug and weapons offenses. On March 5, Jones allegedly murdered 21-year-old Eric Thomas in Jersey City.

“Protecting the public is one of the first duties of government,” said Rible. “In his haste when he left office, Gov. Corzine didn’t properly review this legislation to ensure it would achieve that goal. I am optimistic that I can work with my colleagues across the aisle and reach a bipartisan agreement on this law and help protect the public.”

"Even the most well-intentioned legislation can have unintended consequences," Schroeder said. "There were some flaws in A-4202 that should have been corrected by Gov. Corzine. This new legislation will remedy the most troubling aspect of that bill. Reducing recidivism is important, but the safety and well-being of our citizens must be our top priority."