The bill proposes a comprehensive update to New Jersey law by replacing the term "inmate" with "incarcerated person" throughout various legal provisions, reflecting a shift towards more respectful language regarding individuals in correctional facilities. Key amendments include requirements for the Commissioner of Corrections to assist incarcerated persons in applying for public assistance programs prior to their release, as well as provisions for the treatment and rights of these individuals, such as access to medical care, educational programs, and support for their reintegration into society. The bill also establishes a framework for the management of fines, penalties, and restitution related to incarcerated individuals, ensuring that these processes are handled with dignity and respect.

Additionally, the bill enhances the role of the Corrections Ombudsperson, expanding their responsibilities to include monitoring facility conditions and addressing complaints from incarcerated persons and their families. It mandates training for correctional staff on treating incarcerated individuals with dignity and respect, and it emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability within the correctional system. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the legal framework governing the treatment of incarcerated individuals, ensuring their rights are upheld and that they receive necessary support during and after their incarceration.

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