NJ A1718

Creates a rehabilitative release program requiring the Department of Corrections to issue Certificates of Eligibility to incarcerated persons who are at least 60 years old and have served at least 20 years, or for murder convictions, at least 62 years old with 30 years served

Allows eligible incarcerated persons to petition Superior Court for sentence modification, reduction, or suspension, with representation by the Office of the Public Defender if they do not retain private counsel

Requires courts to find by clear and convincing evidence that the person is not a danger to the community, demonstrates readiness for reentry through educational or vocational participation, and that the interests of justice warrant modification

Mandates notification to victims and family members of petitions, providing them opportunity to submit written or videotaped statements or testify at hearings regarding the harm caused by the crime

Imposes a mandatory five-year parole supervision term for anyone granted rehabilitative release, with a 10-day window before orders become final to allow prosecution appeals