New Jersey 2020-2021 Regular Session Status: Introduced

S2953 —

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed General Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2020-2021 Regular Session. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

S2953 aims to improve access to mental health care services.

This bill seeks to expand mental health care coverage and reduce barriers for individuals seeking help. It focuses on increasing funding and resources for mental health services.

What this means for you
  • Workers: Workers may benefit from improved mental health support in the workplace.
  • Families: This means families can expect better access to mental health care for their loved ones.
Identical bill: A4785 (3R) (not yet in our corpus)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

303 added · 489 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendment adds provisions requiring that inmates receive specific items and information prior to their release. This includes a birth certificate if born in New Jersey, a two-week supply of prescription medication along with a prescription order for additional refills, and a medical discharge summary. Additionally, it establishes a timeframe for the provision of medical records by other providers within 90 days of the effective date of the act. These changes aim to ensure that inmates have access to necessary documents and healthcare resources as they prepare for reentry.

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2021, c.312 CC (S2953 3R) §2 C.30:1B-6.2a §§6-8,10 C.30:8-16.14 to 30:8-16.17 §9 C.30:8-16.18 §§11-15 C.30:8-16.19 to 30:8-16.23 §16 C.30:1B-6.18   (CORRECTED COPY) P.L.
2021, c.312 (S2953 3R CC) CHAPTER 312 (CORRECTED COPY)   An Act concerning services for certain inmates and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.
2021, CHAPTER 312, approved December 21, 2021 Senate, No.
       Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
2953 (Third Reprint)     An Act concerning services for certain inmates and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law.         Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
       1.    Section 2 of P.L.2009, c.329 (C.30:1B-6.2) is amended to read as follows:    C.30:1B-6.2  Information provided to inmate prior to release;
       1.    Section 2 of P.L.2009, c.329 (C.30:1B-6.2) is amended to read as follows:       2.    The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide to each inmate at least 10 days prior to release from a State correctional facility:
rules, regulations.
     2.    The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide to each inmate at least 10 days prior to release from a State correctional facility:
     c.     General written information on the availability of programs, including faith-based and secular programs, that would assist in removing barriers to the inmate's employment or participation in vocational or educational rehabilitative programs, including but not limited to, information concerning the "Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act," P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.) and the certificate of rehabilitation under P.L.2007, c.327 (C.2A:168A-7 et seq.);       d.    A detailed written record of the inmate's participation in educational, training, employment, and medical or other treatment programs while the inmate was incarcerated;
     c.     General written information on the availability of programs, including faith-based and secular programs, that would assist in removing barriers to the inmate's employment or participation in vocational or educational rehabilitative programs, including but not limited to, information concerning the "Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act," P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.) and the certificate of rehabilitation under P.L.2007, c.327 (C.2A:168A-7 et seq.);
     d.    A detailed written record of the inmate's participation in educational, training, employment, and medical or other treatment programs while the inmate was incarcerated;
     f.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2020, c.45)      g.    1[A copy of the inmate's birth certificate if the inmate was born in New Jersey;] 3[(Deleted by amendment, P.L.     , c.     ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill)1] A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate, as issued by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, if the inmate was born in New Jersey;3      h.    Assistance in obtaining a Social Security card;
     f.     (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2020, c.45)      g.    A copy of the inmate’s birth certificate, as issued by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, if the inmate was born in New Jersey;
     h.    Assistance in obtaining a Social Security card;
     j.     A [two-week] 2[three-month] 3[30-day2] two-week3 supply of prescription medication 3[2, a three-month supply of long-acting injectables,2]3 and 2,2 to the extent consistent with clinical guidelines, 3a two-week prescription order with3 2[an additional 30 day prescription order and]2 two additional refills 2[1or long-acting injectables1]2;
     j.     A two-week supply of prescription medication and, to the extent consistent with clinical guidelines, a two-week prescription order with two additional refills;
and      l.     (1)  A medical discharge summary, which shall include instructions on how to obtain from the commissioner a copy of the inmate's full medical record.  Upon request from the inmate, the commissioner shall provide a copy of the inmate's full medical record in a safe and secure manner, at no charge to the inmate.       (2)   Within 90 days of the effective date of this act, the commissioner, in consultation with the State Board of Medical Examiners, shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to ensure that these records are expeditiously and securely provided, in a manner consistent with the provision of medical records by other providers.       3[m.            A benefits card approved for the purpose of obtaining benefits under the:
and      l.
     (1)  Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.);
 (1)  A medical discharge summary, which shall include instructions on how to obtain from the commissioner a copy of the inmate's full medical record.  Upon request from the inmate, the commissioner shall provide a copy of the inmate's full medical record in a safe and secure manner, at no charge to the inmate.       (2)  Within 90 days of the effective date of this act, the commissioner, in consultation with the State Board of Medical Examiners, shall adopt rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to ensure that these records are expeditiously and securely provided, in a manner consistent with the provision of medical records by other providers.
     (2)  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.);
  C.30:1B-6.2a  Commissioner’s assistance in obtaining inmate’s birth certificate.
and      (3)  Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include, for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release, emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51).]3  (cf:
     2.    The Commissioner of Corrections shall offer each inmate, upon request, at least 180 days prior to release from a State correctional facility, assistance with obtaining a copy of the inmate's birth certificate, as issued by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, if the inmate was born in New Jersey.  The commissioner shall ensure that all inmates who were born in New Jersey are notified of their ability to obtain the commissioner’s assistance in accessing their birth certificates pursuant to this section.
P.L.2020, c.45, s.1)      12.   (New section) The Commissioner of Corrections shall 3[provide to] offer3  each inmate 3, upon request,3 at least 3[60] 1803 days prior to release from a State correctional facility 3, assistance with obtaining3 a copy of the inmate's birth certificate 3, as issued by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics,3  if the inmate was born in New Jersey.1   3The commissioner shall ensure that all inmates who were born in New Jersey are notified of their ability to obtain the commissioner’s assistance in accessing their birth certificates pursuant to this section.3         1[2.] 3.1     Section of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.15) is amended to read as follows:       2.    a.  The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide a non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to each inmate, free of charge, as soon as practicable, but not less than 10 days prior to the inmate's release from a State correctional facility.  The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall issue the identification card and accept a former inmate's Department of Corrections identification card as two points for the purposes of applying for the identification card.       b.    An inmate’s Department of Corrections identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations for six months following the date of release from incarceration to allow the released inmate to gain access to services for which the inmate is deemed eligible including, but not limited to, establishing the inmate’s identity.
       3.    Section 2 of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.15) is amended to read as follows:
     [Whenever the] c.
  C.30:1B-6.15  Provision of non-driver identification card.
     2.
 a.
 The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide a non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to each inmate, free of charge, as soon as practicable, but not less than 10 days prior to the inmate's release from a State correctional facility.  The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall issue the identification card and accept a former inmate's Department of Corrections identification card as two points for the purposes of applying for the identification card.
     b.    An inmate’s Department of Corrections identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations for six months following the date of release from incarceration to allow the released inmate to gain access to services for which the inmate is deemed eligible including, but not limited to, establishing the inmate’s identity.
     c.
of this section, whenever Motor Vehicle Commission agencies are closed during a declared public health emergency, pursuant to the "Emergency Health Powers Act," P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.), a state of emergency, pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.), or both, the inmate's Department of Corrections identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey [nonprofits] nonprofit organizations in a manner as to allow the [releasee] released inmate to gain access to services for which [they are] the inmate is deemed eligible for the duration of the public health emergency.  (cf:
of this section, whenever Motor Vehicle Commission agencies are closed during a declared public health emergency, pursuant to the "Emergency Health Powers Act," P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.), a state of emergency, pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.), or both, the inmate's Department of Corrections identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations in a manner as to allow the released inmate to gain access to services for which the inmate is deemed eligible for the duration of the public health emergency.
P.L.2020, c.45, s.2)        1[3.] 4.1     Section of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.16) is amended to read as follows:
       4.    Section 4 of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.16) is amended to read as follows:
     4.    a.  The Commissioner of Corrections shall ensure that an inmate is assisted with completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the Department of Human Services as soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to an inmate's release from incarceration, an online application for enrollment in the Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.).
  C.30:1B-6.16  Assistance with applications for enrollment in certain programs.
     4.
a.
The Commissioner of Corrections shall ensure that an inmate is assisted with completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the Department of Human Services as soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to an inmate's release from incarceration, an online application for enrollment in the Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.).
and      (2)   the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include , for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release, the application for emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51).
and      (2)   the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include, for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release, the application for emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51).
     d.    If an inmate is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Corrections shall 3, with the inmate’s consent,3 ensure that the address of 3[the] a3 2[appropriate] 3[applicable Department of Community Affairs2 regional non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization is used for the purposes of establishing proof of residence to meet any applicable eligibility requirements.  3The commissioner shall ensure that all inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits are educated on their ability to select the address of the reentry organization as a residential address pursuant to this subsection.3      e.     All State, county, and municipal agencies, for the purposes of establishing applicable eligibility requirements, shall:
     d.    If an inmate is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Corrections shall, with the inmate’s consent, ensure that the address of a reentry organization is used for the purposes of establishing proof of residence to meet any applicable eligibility requirements.  The commissioner shall ensure that all inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits are educated on their ability to select the address of the reentry organization as a residential address pursuant to this subsection.
     (1)   accept the address of the 2[appropriate] 3[applicable Department of Community Affairs2 regional non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization for an inmate who is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits 3in accordance with subsection d.
     e.     All State, county, and municipal agencies, for the purposes of establishing applicable eligibility requirements, shall:
of this section3 ;
     (1) accept the address of the reentry organization for an inmate who is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits in accordance with subsection d.
and      (2)  accept an inmate’s Department of Corrections identification card to establish the inmate’s identity.
of this section;
     f.     An inmate who appears to be eligible for   3[benefits under the Work First New Jersey program based on the inmate’s certification of income, resources, and family composition, and based on other information immediately available at the time of application, shall be deemed presumptively eligible for]3 Work First New Jersey assistance  3[and] shall be screened for3  immediate need assistance 3[and shall receive this assistance for a period of not less than 45 days following the inmate’s release from incarceration]3.  (cf:
and      (2) accept an inmate’s Department of Corrections identification card to establish the inmate’s identity.
P.L.2020, c.45, s.4)        1[4.] 5.1     Section of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.17) is amended to read as follows:       5.    a.  The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, in advance of an inmate's release, the inmate's name, release date, and contact information, which shall include, but not be limited to, a telephone number or an email address.
     f.     An inmate who appears to be eligible for Work First New Jersey assistance shall be screened for immediate need assistance.         5.    Section 5 of P.L.2020, c.45 (C.30:1B-6.17) is amended to read as follows:
     b.    The commissioner shall provide to 1[the applicable regional] 2[each1] 3[the applicable Department of Community Affairs regional2 non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization 3selected as a residential address pursuant to subsection d.
  C.30:1B-6.17  Information provided to county welfare agency, board of social services.
of section 4 of this bill3  2[1approved by the Department of Community Affairs1]2, in advance of an inmate’s release, the information required in subsection a.
     5.
of this section 1unless the inmate requests that the information not be forwarded1.
a.
(cf:
The Commissioner of Corrections shall provide to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, in advance of an inmate's release, the inmate's name, release date, and contact information, which shall include, but not be limited to, a telephone number or an email address.
P.L.2020, c.45, s.5)        1[5.] 6.1     (New section)  2[a.]2  The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall provide to each inmate 2incarcerated for 90 days or longer2 at least 30 days prior to release from a facility:       2[(1)] a.2   a copy of the inmate's criminal history record and written information on the inmate's right to have the inmate’s criminal records expunged under chapter 52 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes;       2[(2)] b.2   general written information on the inmate's right to vote under R.S.19:4-1;
     b.    The commissioner shall provide to reentry organization selected as a residential address pursuant to subsection d.
     2[(3)] c.2 general written information on the availability of programs, including faith-based and secular programs, that would assist in removing barriers to the inmate's employment or participation in vocational or educational rehabilitative programs, including but not limited to, information concerning the "Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act," P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.) and the certificate of rehabilitation under P.L.2007, c.327 (C.2A:168A-7 et seq.);       2[(4)] d.2   a detailed written record of the inmate's participation in educational, training, employment, and medical or other treatment programs while the inmate was incarcerated;
of section 4 of this bill, in advance of an inmate’s release, the information required in subsection a.
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     2[(5)] e.2   a written accounting of the fines, assessments, surcharges, restitution, penalties, child support arrearages, and any other obligations due and payable by the inmate upon release;
of this section unless the inmate requests that the information not be forwarded.
          2[(6)] f.2    a copy of the inmate's birth certificate if the inmate was born in New Jersey;
  C.30:8-16.14  Provisions to inmate incarcerated 90 days or longer.
     2[(7)] g.2   assistance in obtaining a Social Security card;       2[(8)] h.2   a one-day New Jersey bus or rail pass;
     6.    The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall provide to each inmate incarcerated for days or longer at least 30 days prior to release from a facility:
     2[(9)] i.2    a 2[three-month] 3[30-day2] two-week3 supply of prescription medication 3[2, a three-month supply of long-acting injectables,]3 2 and, to the extent consistent with clinical guidelines, 3a two-week prescription order with3 2[an additional day prescription order and]2 two additional refills 2[1or long-acting injectables1]2;
     a.     a copy of the inmate's criminal history record and written information on the inmate's right to have the inmate’s criminal records expunged under chapter 52 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes;
     2[(10)] j.2  general written information concerning child support, including child support payments owed by the inmate, information on how to seek child support payments and information on where to seek services regarding child support, child custody, and establishing parentage;
     b.    general written information on the inmate's right to vote under R.S.19:4-1;
3and3      2[(11)] k.2 a medical discharge summary, which shall include instructions on how to obtain from the superintendent a copy of the inmate's full medical record;
     c.     general written information on the availability of programs, including faith-based and secular programs, that would assist in removing barriers to the inmate's employment or participation in vocational or educational rehabilitative programs, including but not limited to, information concerning the "Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act," P.L.1968, c.282 (C.2A:168A-1 et seq.) and the certificate of rehabilitation under P.L.2007, c.327 (C.2A:168A-7 et seq.);
upon request from the inmate, the superintendent shall provide a copy of the inmate's full medical record in a safe and secure manner, at no charge to the inmate;  the superintendent shall comply with rules and regulations, adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), that ensure that these records are expeditiously and securely provided in a manner consistent with the provision of medical records by other providers 3[;
     d.    a detailed written record of the inmate's participation in educational, training, employment, and medical or other treatment programs while the inmate was incarcerated;
and       2[(12)] l.2  a benefits card approved for the purpose of obtaining benefits under the:
     e.     a written accounting of the fines, assessments, surcharges, restitution, penalties, child support arrearages, and any other obligations due and payable by the inmate upon release;
     2[(a)] (1)2  Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.);
     f.     a copy of the inmate's birth certificate if the inmate was born in New Jersey;
     2[(b)] (2)2 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.);
     g.    assistance in obtaining a Social Security card;
and      2[(c)] (3)2  Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include, for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release,  emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51)]3.
     h.    a one-day New Jersey bus or rail pass;
     2[b.  If an inmate is at any time scheduled for release from a county correctional facility in less than 30 days, the superintendent shall comply with the provisions of subsection a.
     i.     a two-week supply of prescription medication and, to the extent consistent with clinical guidelines, a two-week prescription order with two additional refills;
of this section at least 48 hours prior to the inmate’s release.]2      27.  (New section)  There shall be annually appropriated to the counties through the annual appropriations act such amounts as shall be deemed necessary to cover the cost of the prescription medicine required pursuant to the provisions of subsection i.
     j.     general written information concerning child support, including child support payments owed by the inmate, information on how to seek child support payments and information on where to seek services regarding child support, child custody, and establishing parentage;
of section 6 of P.L.     .
and      k.    a medical discharge summary, which shall include instructions on how to obtain from the superintendent a copy of the inmate's full medical record;
c.     (C.     ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).2        28.  (New section)  a.  The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall provide to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, in advance of the release of an inmate who has been incarcerated for 90 days or longer, the inmate's name, release date, and contact information, which shall include, but not be limited to, a telephone number or an email address.
upon request from the inmate, the superintendent shall provide a copy of the inmate's full medical record in a safe and secure manner, at no charge to the inmate;
     b.    The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall 3, with the inmate’s consent,3   provide to the 3[applicable Department of Community Affairs regional non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization 3selected as a residential address pursuant to subsection d.
the superintendent shall comply with rules and regulations, adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), that ensure that these records are expeditiously and securely provided in a manner consistent with the provision of medical records by other providers.
of section 4 of this bill3 , in advance of the release of an inmate who has been incarcerated for 90 days or longer, the information required in subsection a.
  C.30:8-16.15  Annual appropriations for prescription medicine.
of this section unless the inmate requests that the information not be forwarded.2        1[6.] 2[7.1] 9.2 (New section)  a.  3[The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall provide a non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to each county inmate 2incarcerated for 90 days or longer2, free of charge, as soon as practicable, but not less than 10 days prior to the inmate's release from the county correctional facility.]3  The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall 3[issue the identification card and]3 accept a former inmate's county correctional facility identification card as two points for the purposes of applying for 3[the] a non-driver3 identification card.       b.    An inmate’s county correctional facility identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations for six months following the date of release from incarceration to allow the released inmate to gain access to services for which the inmate is deemed eligible including, but not limited to, establishing the inmate’s identity.
     7.    There shall be annually appropriated to the counties through the annual appropriations act such amounts as shall be deemed necessary to cover the cost of the prescription medicine required pursuant to the provisions of subsection i.
of section 6 of P.L.2021, c.312 (C.30:8-16.14).
  C.30:8-16.16  Provisions to county welfare agency, reentry organization.
     8.
 a.
 The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall provide to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, in advance of the release of an inmate who has been incarcerated for 90 days or longer, the inmate's name, release date, and contact information, which shall include, but not be limited to, a telephone number or an email address.
     b.    The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall, with the inmate’s consent, provide to the reentry organization selected as a residential address pursuant to subsection d.
of section 4 of this bill, in advance of the release of an inmate who has been incarcerated for 90 days or longer, the information required in subsection a.
of this section unless the inmate requests that the information not be forwarded.
  C.30:8-16.18  Uses of inmate's county correctional facility identification card.
     9.
 a.
 The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall accept a former inmate's county correctional facility identification card as two points for the purposes of applying for a non-driver identification card.       b.    An inmate’s county correctional facility identification card shall be accepted by all State, county, and municipal agencies and New Jersey nonprofit organizations for six months following the date of release from incarceration to allow the released inmate to gain access to services for which the inmate is deemed eligible including, but not limited to, establishing the inmate’s identity.
       1[7.] 2[8.1] 10.2 (New section)  a.  As soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to 2[an inmate's] the2 release 2[from incarceration] of an inmate incarcerated for 90 days or longer2, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall ensure that an inmate is assisted with completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the Department of Human Services an online application for enrollment in the Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.).       b.    In addition to the requirements of subsection a.
  C.30:8-16.17  Various online application enrollments;
of this section, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper also shall ensure that 3[the] such3 inmate is assisted in completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, as soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to an inmate's release from incarceration, online applications for enrollment in the following programs:
processing, acceptance.
     (1)   the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C.s.2011 et seq.);
     10.
and      (2)   the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include , for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release, the application for emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51).
 a.
     c.     The Department of Human Services shall be required to accept and process the online applications for Medicaid received from the 3[Department of Corrections] county correctional facilities3 pursuant to subsection a.
 As soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to the release of an inmate incarcerated for 90 days or longer, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall ensure that an inmate is assisted with completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the Department of Human Services an online application for enrollment in the Medicaid program, established pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.).
of this section.       d.    If an inmate is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits pursuant to this section, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility 3, with the inmate’s consent,3 shall ensure that the address of the 3[appropriate regional non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization is used for the purposes of establishing proof of residence to meet any applicable eligibility requirements.
     b.    In addition to the requirements of subsection a.
 3The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall ensure that all inmates incarcerated for 90 days or longer are educated on their ability to select a reentry organization as a residential address pursuant to this subsection.3      e.     All State, county, and municipal agencies, for the purposes of establishing applicable eligibility requirements, shall:
of this section, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper also shall ensure that such inmate is assisted in completing, obtaining any required signatures or authorizations for, and forwarding for processing to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, as soon as practicable but not less than 30 days prior to an inmate's release from incarceration, online applications for enrollment in the following programs:
     (1)   accept the address of the 3[appropriate regional non-profit inmate]3 reentry organization for an inmate who is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits;
     (1) the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, established pursuant to the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.88-525 (7 U.S.C.
s.2011 et seq.);
and      (2) the Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), which shall include, for inmates who are unable to identify a residence at the time of release, the application for emergency assistance benefits issued to Work First New Jersey recipients pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51).
     c.     The Department of Human Services shall be required to accept and process the online applications for Medicaid received from the county correctional facilities pursuant to subsection a.
of this section.       d.    If an inmate is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits pursuant to this section, the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility, with the inmate’s consent, shall ensure that the address of the reentry organization is used for the purposes of establishing proof of residence to meet any applicable eligibility requirements.  The chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility shall ensure that all inmates incarcerated for 90 days or longer are educated on their ability to select a reentry organization as a residential address pursuant to this subsection.
     e.     All State, county, and municipal agencies, for the purposes of establishing applicable eligibility requirements, shall:
     (1)   accept the address of the reentry organization for an inmate who is unable to identify a residence at the time of application for benefits;
     f.     An inmate who appears to be eligible for 3[benefits under the Work First New Jersey program based on the inmate’s certification of income, resources, and family composition, and based on other information immediately available at the time of application, shall be deemed presumptively eligible for]3 Work First New Jersey assistance  3[and] shall be screened for3 immediate need assistance 3[and shall receive this assistance for a period of not less than 45 days following the inmate’s release from incarceration]3.           211.  (New section)  a.  The governing body of each county in this State may, by duly adopted ordinance or resolution, appoint a county reentry coordinator who shall be responsible for evaluating the needs of, and navigating the appropriate treatment and services for, each inmate in a county correctional facility in this State.       b.    The county reentry coordinator shall evaluate each inmate in a county correctional facility who has been sentenced to a term of incarceration or ordered detained pending trial following a pretrial detention hearing.  The purpose of the evaluation shall be to:
     f.     An inmate who appears to be eligible for Work First New Jersey assistance shall be screened for immediate need assistance.
     (1)   identify which social services and reentry and rehabilitative programs would benefit the inmate including, but not limited to, the WorkFirst NJ Substance Abuse Initiative;
  C.30:8-16.19  County reentry coordinator.
     11.
 a.
 The governing body of each county in this State may, by duly adopted ordinance or resolution, appoint a county reentry coordinator who shall be responsible for evaluating the needs of, and navigating the appropriate treatment and services for, each inmate in a county correctional facility in this State.
     b.    The county reentry coordinator shall evaluate each inmate in a county correctional facility who has been sentenced to a term of incarceration or ordered detained pending trial following a pretrial detention hearing.  The purpose of the evaluation shall be to:
     (1)   identify which social services and reentry and rehabilitative programs would benefit the inmate including, but not limited to, the Work First New Jersey Substance Abuse Initiative;
     (4)   providing information concerning relevant social services and reentry and rehabilitative programs including, but not limited to, the WorkFirst NJ Substance Abuse Initiative.  The county reentry coordinator shall assist the inmate with completing applications for and otherwise accessing appropriate services and programming upon the inmate’s release from the facility;
     (4)   providing information concerning relevant social services and reentry and rehabilitative programs including, but not limited to, the Work First New Jersey Substance Abuse Initiative.  The county reentry coordinator shall assist the inmate with completing applications for and otherwise accessing appropriate services and programming upon the inmate’s release from the facility;
of section 6 of P.L.     c.     (pending before the Legislature as this bill).2      3f.  The county reentry coordinator shall consult and coordinate with the county board of social services or welfare agency, as appropriate, when providing information or assistance with respect to a benefit or service administered by the board or welfare agency.3        212.  (New section)  a.  The county reentry coordinator shall record data regarding:
of section 6 of P.L.2021, c.312 (C.30:8-16.14).              f.     The county reentry coordinator shall consult and coordinate with the county board of social services or welfare agency, as appropriate, when providing information or assistance with respect to a benefit or service administered by the board or welfare agency.
the number of inmates who are offered services pursuant to section 10 of P.L.      , c.    (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);
  C.30:8-16.20  Recording of data.
     12.
 a.
 The county reentry coordinator shall record data regarding:
the number of inmates who are offered services pursuant to section 10 of P.L.2021, c.312 (C.30:8-16.17);
and the number of inmates who were not released, and the reasons why they were not released, from a county correctional facility during regular business hours.       b.    The data shall be analyzed to determine whether the rates and nature of rearrests and convictions differ according to whether an inmate received services in accordance with section 10 of P.L.     , c.    (C.        ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).  The county reentry coordinator shall annually prepare and transmit the findings to the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility, as appropriate;
and the number of inmates who were not released, and the reasons why they were not released, from a county correctional facility during regular business hours.       b.    The data shall be analyzed to determine whether the rates and nature of rearrests and convictions differ according to whether an inmate received services in accordance with section 10 of P.L.2021, c.312 (C.30:8-16.17).  The county reentry coordinator shall annually prepare and transmit the findings to the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of each county correctional facility, as appropriate;
and the Commissioner of Corrections.2        213.  (New section)  The county reentry coordinator shall, in collaboration with the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of a  county correctional facility, develop peer counseling programs in the county correctional facility that support the treatment of county inmates with substance use disorders.  The warden, director, or administrator may additionally develop initiatives to provide inmates in the custody of the county correctional facility with access to professional substance use disorder counseling.2         214.  (New section)  a.  The county reentry coordinator shall meet 3[regularly] annually3 with community stakeholders who may offer guidance for evaluating the needs of and providing services to inmates in county correctional facilities including, but not limited to:
and the Commissioner of Corrections.
     (1)   the Commissioner of Corrections, or a designee;
  C.30:8-16.21  Peer counseling program development.
     (2)   the Commissioner of Human Services, or a designee;
     13.
     (3)   the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of the county correctional facility;
 The county reentry coordinator shall, in collaboration with the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of a county correctional facility, develop peer counseling programs in the county correctional facility that support the treatment of county inmates with substance use disorders.  The warden, director, or administrator may additionally develop initiatives to provide inmates in the custody of the county correctional facility with access to professional substance use disorder counseling.
     (4)   the superintendent, director, or other chief administrative officer of the County Board of Social Services or welfare agency, as appropriate;
  C.30:8-16.22  Annual meeting.
     (5)   the county human services director, or a designee;
     14.
     (6)   the county mental health administrator, or a designee;
 a.
     (7)   the president of a county community college, or a designee;
 The county reentry coordinator shall meet annually with community stakeholders who may offer guidance for evaluating the needs of and providing services to inmates in county correctional facilities including, but not limited to:
     (8)   reentry services providers in the county;
     (1) the Commissioner of Corrections, or a designee;
     (9)   substance use disorder treatment providers in the county;
     (2) the Commissioner of Human Services, or a designee;
and      (10)  a person who previously has received substance use disorder services in the county.
     (3) the chief executive officer, warden, or keeper of the county correctional facility;
     (4) the superintendent, director, or other chief administrative officer of the County Board of Social Services or welfare agency, as appropriate;
     (5) the county human services director, or a designee;
     (6) the county mental health administrator, or a designee;
     (7) the president of a county community college, or a designee;
     (8) reentry services providers in the county;
     (9) substance use disorder treatment providers in the county;
and      (10) a person who previously has received substance use disorder services in the county.
     (1)   establish best practices for preparing county inmates for release;
     (1) establish best practices for preparing county inmates for release;
     (2)   identify services available in the county that may be needed by inmates upon release from a county correctional facility including, but not limited to, housing, food, medical care, clothing, substance use disorder treatment;
     (2) identify services available in the county that may be needed by inmates upon release from a county correctional facility including, but not limited to, housing, food, medical care, clothing, substance use disorder treatment;
     (3)   make appropriate recommendations to the county correctional facility and County Board of Social Services or welfare agency with respect to preparing county inmates for successful reentry into the community and reducing recidivism.2        215.  There shall be annually appropriated through the annual appropriations act such amounts as shall be deemed necessary to implement the provisions of sections 11 through 14 of P.L.     .
     (3) make appropriate recommendations to the county correctional facility and County Board of Social Services or welfare agency with respect to preparing county inmates for successful reentry into the community and reducing recidivism.
c.     (C.    through C.     ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) concerning the county reentry coordinator.2        1[8.] 2[9.1] 16.2   (New section)  An inmate released from a State or county correctional facility shall be authorized to use the address of a 3[nonprofit inmate]3 reentry organization 3[approved by the Department of Community Affairs]3 as a mailing address in an application for  benefits under the:
  C.30:8-16.23  Annual appropriations for county reentry coordinator implementations.
     15.  There shall be annually appropriated through the annual appropriations act such amounts as shall be deemed necessary to implement the provisions of sections 11 through 14 of P.L.2021, c.312 (C.30:8-16.19 through C.30:8-16.22) concerning the county reentry coordinator.
  C.30:1B-6.18  Inmate’s use of the reentry organization’s address.
     16.  An inmate released from a State or county correctional facility shall be authorized to use the address of a reentry organization as a mailing address in an application for benefits under the:
and      c.     Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.) 3, provided the inmate consents to the use of the reentry organization’s address as their mailing address3.         1[9.] 2[10.1] 17.2  Section of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-48) is amended to read as follows:
and      c.     Work First New Jersey program, established pursuant to P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55 et seq.), provided the inmate consents to the use of the reentry organization’s address as their mailing address.         17.
     5.    a.
Section 5 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-48) is amended to read as follows:
  C.44:10-48  Eligibility of citizens, eligible aliens.
     5.
 a.
     (1)   non-needy caretakers, except that the eligibility of a dependent child shall not be affected by the income or resources of a non-needy caretaker;
     (1) non-needy caretakers, except that the eligibility of a dependent child shall not be affected by the income or resources of a non-needy caretaker;
     (2)   Supplemental Security Income recipients, except for the purposes of receiving emergency assistance benefits pursuant to section of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51);
     (2) Supplemental Security Income recipients, except for the purposes of receiving emergency assistance benefits pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1997, c.14 (C.44:10-51);
     (3)   illegal aliens;
     (3) illegal aliens;
     (4)   other aliens who are not eligible aliens;
     (4) other aliens who are not eligible aliens;
     (5)   a person absent from the home who is incarcerated in a federal, State, county or local corrective facility or under the custody of correctional authorities, except as provided by regulation of the commissioner;
     (5) a person absent from the home who is incarcerated in a federal, State, county or local corrective facility or under the custody of correctional authorities, except as provided by regulation of the commissioner;
     (6)   a person who:
     (6) a person who:
     (7)   [a person convicted on or after August 22, 1996 under federal or state law of any offense which is classified as a felony or crime, as appropriate, under the laws of the jurisdiction involved and which has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in section 102(6) of the federal "Controlled Substances Act" (21 U.S.C.
     (7) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2021, c.312)      (8) a person found to have fraudulently misrepresented his residence in order to obtain means-tested, public benefits in two or more states or jurisdictions, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of years from the date of conviction in a federal or state court;
s.802 (6)), who would otherwise be eligible for general public assistance pursuant to P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.);
or      (9) a person who intentionally makes a false or misleading statement or misrepresents, conceals or withholds facts for the purpose of receiving benefits, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of six months for the first violation, 12 months for the second violation, and permanently for the third violation.
except that such a person who is convicted of any such offense which has as an element the possession or use only of such a controlled substance may be eligible for Work First New Jersey general public assistance benefits if the person enrolls in or has completed a licensed residential or outpatient drug treatment program.  An otherwise eligible individual who has a past drug conviction shall be eligible for general public assistance without enrolling in or completing a drug treatment program if either:
(1) an appropriate treatment program is not available;
or (2) the person is excused from enrolling in a treatment program for good cause pursuant to regulation.
     Eligibility for benefits for a person entering a licensed drug treatment program which does not operate in a State correctional facility or county jail shall commence upon the person's enrollment in the drug treatment program, and shall continue during the person's active participation in, and upon completion of, the drug treatment program, except that during the person's active participation in a drug treatment program and the first 60 days after completion of a drug treatment program, the commissioner shall provide for testing of the person to determine if the person is free of any controlled substance.  If the person is determined to not be free of any controlled substance during the 60-day period, the person's eligibility for benefits pursuant to this paragraph shall be terminated;
except that this provision shall not apply to the use of prescription drugs by a person who is actively participating in a drug treatment program, as prescribed by the drug treatment program.  The commissioner shall adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this paragraph, which shall include the criteria for determining active participation in and completion of a drug treatment program.
     Eligibility for benefits for a person who completes a licensed residential drug treatment program which operates in a State correctional facility or county jail, in accordance with section 1 of P.L.2014, c.1 (C.26:2B-40), shall commence upon release from incarceration.
     Cash benefits, less a personal needs allowance, for a person receiving general public assistance benefits under the Work First New Jersey program who is enrolled in and actively participating in a licensed drug treatment program shall be issued directly to the drug treatment provider to offset the cost of treatment.  Upon completion of the drug treatment program, the cash benefits shall be then issued to the person.  In the case of a delay in issuing cash benefits to a person receiving Work First New Jersey general public assistance benefits who has completed the drug treatment program, the drug treatment provider shall transmit to the person those funds received on behalf of that person after completion of the drug treatment program;] (Deleted by amendment, (P.L.    , c.    ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill        (8)   a person found to have fraudulently misrepresented his residence in order to obtain means-tested, public benefits in two or more states or jurisdictions, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of years from the date of conviction in a federal or state court;
or      (9)   a person who intentionally makes a false or misleading statement or misrepresents, conceals or withholds facts for the purpose of receiving benefits, who shall be ineligible for benefits for a period of six months for the first violation, 12 months for the second violation, and permanently for the third violation.
     (1)   needy persons and their dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving benefits under the Work First New Jersey program and food assistance under the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-234 (7 U.S.C.
     (1) needy persons and their dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving benefits under the Work First New Jersey program and food assistance under the federal "Food and Nutrition Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-234 (7 U.S.C.
and      (2)   single persons and married couples without dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving food assistance under Pub.L.110-234.
and      (2) single persons and married couples without dependent children domiciled in New Jersey for the purposes of receiving food assistance under Pub.L.110-234.
(cf:
       18.  This act shall take effect immediately.
P.L.2016, c.69, s.1)        3[ 2[11] 182.  (New section)  The Governor shall appoint an independent investigator to evaluate the Commissioner of Correction’s compliance with the provisions of 2P.L.2019, c.282;
       Approved December 21, 2021.
P.L.2019, c.288;
P.L.2019, c.364;2 P.L.2020, c.452;2 and 2[this act] P.L.     c.     2  (pending before the Legislature as this bill).  Within six months of the effective date of this act, the independent investigator shall report findings and conclusions to the Governor and the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1).1]3        1[10.] 2[12.1] 3[19.2] 18.3  This act shall take effect immediately.                                              Expands scope of inmate reentry assistance and benefits.
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