NJ A5335

Prohibits courts from imposing life imprisonment without parole on any person who was under 21 years of age at the time of the crime

Amends existing law that currently allows life sentences for repeat violent offenders convicted of crimes including murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, and carjacking

Existing provisions remain intact for offenders 21 and older, including mandatory life without parole for those with two or more prior convictions for specified violent crimes

Responds to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling in Commonwealth v. Mattis (2024), which found sentencing 18-20 year olds to life without parole violates constitutional prohibitions against cruel or unusual punishment

Takes effect immediately upon enactment