This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish standards of habitability for all prison housing units, specifically including Restorative Housing Units (RHUs). The standards must meet or exceed those set by the American Correctional Association, addressing significant health and safety issues reported in facilities like the RHU at Northern State Prison, which has faced problems such as sewage spills, inadequate sanitation, and poor ventilation.

To implement these standards, the DOC is required to adopt rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after its enactment, reflecting a legislative response to recommendations from the New Jersey Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson aimed at improving living conditions for inmates in these housing units.