Vetoed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes assistance with obtaining re-entry benefits for inmates released from incarceration.

Highlights:

• Increases the number of days prior to release that the Commissioner of Corrections is required to provide each state correctional facility inmate with release resources from at least 10 to at least 30 days prior to release (Sec. 1).

• Increases the amount of prescription medication required to be provided to a state correctional facility releasee from a 2-week supply to a 3-month supply (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the Commissioner to provide a non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to each inmate, free of charge, no less than 45 days prior to the inmate’s release (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Commissioner to directly issue these identification cards to inmates whenever the governor orders motor vehicle agencies to close during a declared public health emergency (Sec. 2).

• Requires the chief executive officer to provide resources to each county correctional facility inmate at least 30 days prior to release, including (Sec. 3-4):

• A copy of the inmate’s criminal history record;

• General written information on the inmate’s right to vote;

• General written information on the availability of programs that assist in removing barriers to employment or participation in vocational or educational rehabilitative programs;

• A written record of the inmate’s participation in educational, training, employment, and medical treatment programs while incarcerated;

• A written accounting of the fines and other obligations due and payable by the inmate upon release;

• Assistance in obtaining a Social Security card;

• A 1-day New Jersey bus or rail pass;

• A 3-month supply of prescription medication; 

• A medical discharge summary; and 

• A non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to each inmate, free of charge, no less than 30 days prior to the inmate’s release.

• Requires the superintendent of the county correctional facility to directly issue these identification cards to inmates whenever the governor orders motor vehicle agencies to close during a declared public health emergency (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that if an inmate is scheduled for release in less than 30 days, the release resources shall be provided at least 48 hours prior to the inmate’s release (Sec. 4).

• Requires the Commissioner of Corrections, not less than 45 days prior to an inmate’s release from a state correctional facility, to complete and forward applications for enrollment in applicable social service programs including, but not limited to (Sec. 5):

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);

• The Work First New Jersey Program; and

• Medicaid.

• Requires the chief executive officer, not less than 30 days prior to an inmate’s release from a county correctional facility, to complete and forward applications for enrollment in applicable social service programs including, but not limited to (Sec. 6):

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;

• The Work First New Jersey Program; and

• Medicaid.

• Specifies that if an inmate is scheduled for release in less than 30 days, the applications shall be completed and forwarded at least 48 hours prior to the inmate’s release (Sec. 6).

• Requires the Commissioner or chief executive officer to provide the appropriate welfare agency or board of social services the inmate’s name, release date, and contact information, prior to an inmate’s release (Sec. 7-8).

Full Bill Text