The bill seeks to modernize New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing the term "inmate" with "incarcerated person" throughout various sections of the law. This change is intended to promote a more respectful and humane approach to individuals within the correctional system. Key provisions include requirements for the Commissioner of Corrections to assist incarcerated persons in applying for Medicaid and other social services prior to their release, as well as ensuring that they receive essential information about their rights and available programs. The bill also emphasizes the importance of visitation rights for primary caretakers and outlines specific conditions for the treatment of pregnant incarcerated individuals, including prohibiting isolated confinement during labor.

Additionally, the bill enhances the rights and support systems for incarcerated individuals, particularly regarding their reentry into society. It establishes a framework for the collection of fines and restitution, mandates training for correctional staff on treating incarcerated persons with dignity, and outlines the responsibilities of the Corrections Ombudsperson in addressing complaints and monitoring conditions within correctional facilities. The legislation aims to improve the overall treatment and management of incarcerated individuals while ensuring their rights and welfare are prioritized, ultimately fostering a more humane correctional environment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:84A-21.13, 2C:7-6, 2C:11-3, 2C:43-3.1, 2C:43-3.3, 2C:43-7.2, 2C:43-11, 2C:46-4, 2C:47-10, 26:4-49.8, 26:6B-3, 30:1B-6.2, 30:1B-6.8, 30:1B-6.9, 30:1B-6.10, 30:1B-6.13, 30:1B-6.14, 30:1B-41, 30:4-16.3, 30:4-82.4, 30:4-82.7, 30:4-82.8, 30:4-82.11, 30:4-85.1, 30:4-91.3, 30:4-91.9, 30:4-92.2, 30:4-123.45, 30:4-123.51, 30:4-123.52, 30:4-123.54, 30:4-123.55, 30:4-123.56, 30:4-123.59, 30:4-123.100, 30:4-123.101, 30:4-123.103, 30:7C-3, 30:7C-4, 30:7C-5, 30:7C-6, 30:7C-7, 30:7C-9, 30:7C-10, 30:7E-1, 30:7E-2, 30:7E-3, 30:7E-4, 30:7E-5, 30:7E-7, 30:8-16.14, 30:8-16.16, 30:8-16.17, 30:8-16.18, 30:8-16.19, 30:8-16.20, 30:8-16.21, 30:8-16.22, 30:8-16.2, 30:8-28.4, 30:8-48.1, 30:8-48.2, 30:8-57, 30:8-58, 30:8-59, 30:8-68, 40A:9-117.6, 43:16A-1.5, 43:7-8, 52:4B-44, 52:4B-62, 52:4B-63, 52:4B-64, 52:17B-4.4, 52:18A-19, 52:27B-61, 52:27EE-26, 52:27EE-27, 52:27EE-28, 52:27EE-28.1, 52:27EE-28.2, 52:27EE-28.3, 52:27EE-28.5, 52:27EE-28.6, 52:32-2.3