Press Release

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM deeply disappointed in New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy veto of legislation eliminating some of the states’ mandatory minimums

TRENTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring issued the following statement after Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed a bill that would have eliminated some of New Jersey’s mandatory minimums.

“Vetoing this bill to preserve mandatory minimums for some people makes no sense,” Ring said. “Every defendant and crime are unique. Judges must be free to consider all the relevant facts and circumstances before imposing a punishment. One-size-fits-all sentencing does not produce justice or safety, no matter the crime.

“We were glad to see New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s directive that will end the use of many of these mandatory minimums, and to address those serving excessive sentences. Moving forward, however, we believe the state needs to fully repeal its mandatory minimum laws.”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.