Imposes mandatory term of life imprisonment without eligibility for parole on persons who commit particularly brutal sexual assaults.

This bill (S 1537) would mandate life imprisonment without parole eligibility for specific severe sexual assault convictions in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals convicted of aggravated sexual assault causing serious bodily injury (under N.J.S.2C:14-2) or sexual assault involving minors (16 or younger) with weapons or threats (under N.J.S.2C:14-2 or 2C:14-3). Key provisions require courts to impose life sentences without parole for the first scenario and extended terms (10-30 years) with mandatory parole ineligibility periods for the second, including minimum 25-year parole-ineligible terms if life imprisonment is given. The bill also increases minimum parole-ineligible terms for repeat sexual assault offenders. (Note: Bill is pending, introduced January 2026.)