This bill aims to enhance the provision of services to defendants on pretrial release in New Jersey. It authorizes county governing bodies to appoint a county pretrial release coordinator responsible for evaluating the needs of eligible defendants charged with indictable or disorderly persons offenses. The coordinator will assist these defendants in accessing various services, including treatment programs, public assistance benefits, and employment resources, while ensuring that participation in these services is voluntary. The coordinator is also tasked with consulting local social services agencies and collecting data on the services provided, including the demographics of defendants and their outcomes during pretrial release.

Additionally, the bill mandates the coordinator to meet annually with community stakeholders to establish best practices for service provision and to identify available resources in the county. The findings from these evaluations and data analyses will be compiled into an annual report to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. The bill also includes provisions for the necessary funding to support the activities of the county pretrial release coordinators. This legislation is in response to the limited support currently available for defendants awaiting trial and aligns with recommendations from a recent criminal justice report.