STATEMENT TO

[Second Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4785

with Assembly Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Assemblywoman QUIJANO)

ADOPTED: JUNE 3, 2021

      Assembly Bill No. 4785 (2R) expands the scope of reentry services and benefits currently available to inmates released from incarceration in State and county correctional facilities. 

      In regard to county correctional facilities, the bill extends the provisions of the State’s Fair Release and Reentry Act of 2009 to county correctional facilities.  Pursuant to the act, the bill requires county inmates to be provided within 10 days of their release various documents, information, and other items to assist them in their reentry efforts.  This includes a non-driver identification card, as well as a 30-day supply of prescription medication, a three-month supply of long-acting injectables, and two additional refills.  These county inmates also are to be provided, at least 30 days before release, assistance in completing applications for various benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, and Work First New Jersey.  Further, in advance of their release, the county correctional facilities are to provide the inmate’s name, release date, and telephone number or email address to the appropriate county welfare agency or board of social services, as well as to the applicable Department of Community Affairs regional non-profit inmate reentry organization. 

      These Assembly amendments limit the county inmates to which these provisions are applicable to those incarcerated for 90 days or longer.  The amendments also provide for an annual appropriation to the counties to cover the cost of the prescription medicine that is to be supplied to these inmates upon release.