NJ S1537

Imposes mandatory life imprisonment without parole for aggravated sexual assault convictions where the victim suffered serious bodily injury (defined as injury creating substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss of bodily function)

Establishes extended sentencing for sexual offenses against victims 16 years or younger when the offender used or threatened to use a deadly weapon or threatened serious bodily injury: 30 years to life for aggravated sexual assault, 10-20 years for sexual assault, 5-10 years for aggravated criminal sexual contact

Allows courts to set parole ineligibility periods of up to half the sentence imposed, or 25 years for life sentences, for extended term cases involving child victims

Amends existing repeat offender sentencing provisions to incorporate the new mandatory life sentence and extended term provisions alongside current law

Sponsored by Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. (District 9, Ocean County) and pre-filed for introduction in the 2026 session of the New Jersey 222nd Legislature