New Jersey needs fewer but more effective 'Drug-Free School Zones,' according to a new task-force report.

The Asbury Park Press reported Dec. 5 that the Task Force on Sentencing and Corrections told New Jersey Gov. John Corzine that the zones often overlap and sometimes cover large swaths of cities.

"For this reason, the current zone law does not effectively deter drug activities in urban centers and the legislative purpose -- to create a safe haven for children around schools -- is thwarted," said the task force.

The panel recommended that the zones be made smaller but stronger, cutting the size from 1,000 feet around public property to 200 feet but making the sale of drugs within the smaller zones a second-degree offense rather than a third-degree crime. Offenders would then face five to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $150,000, rather than three to five years incarceration and maximum fines of $15,000.

New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said the changes would "toughen penalties for those who peddle drugs near our schools, which was the original intent of the legislation."

The task force also recommended expanding eligibility for drug courts.