On Monday, January 11, 2010, during its last “lame-duck” session under Governor Corzine, the NJ Legislature passed two bills that, if signed into law, will have a devastating impact on crime victims and their families.

Bills A4201 and A4202, if signed by Governor Corzine before he leaves office on January 19, 2010 will mandate that criminals who have been denied parole receive a new parole hearing EVERY THREE YEARS–regardless of the severity of their crimes. They also call for a “blue-ribbon panel” to review and possibly release prisoners who have served 20 years or more on their sentences.

Worst of all, it is the victims and their families that will suffer most if these laws are enacted. They will be forced to relive the horror of the crime, facing the parole boards every 36 months, pleading to keep their assailants behind bars.

We cannot let this happen. Click on the link below to sign the petition I created:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepbergensafe/

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Please help me send Governor Corzine and the bills’ supporters a clear message that (1) you support victims’ rights, and (2) this type of last-minute legislative sleight-of-hand is morally and ethically wrong, and will not be tolerated by the people they have pledged to serve.

For more information or to sign up for Alerts & Updates regarding Victims’ Rights in New Jersey, visit www.KeepBergenSafe.com.

Thank You for your support!