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Bill > A728


NJ A728

Requires correctional facilities to provide voting rights information packets to inmates.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2020
In Committee
01/14/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires each correctional facility in this State as well as private facilities, often referred to as halfway houses, to provide each inmate with a voter information packet upon the inmate's release. The packet is to include: 1) voter registration forms and voting instructions; and 2) a form certifying that the inmate was informed both verbally and in writing of the right to vote. Upon an inmate's release, an official employed by the correctional facility or an employee of the private facility and the inmate are required to sign a copy of the form. The bill requires each facility to maintain a copy of the form on record and provide a signed copy to the inmate. Finally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Corrections to: 1) provide a sufficient supply of voter information packets to every correctional facility and private facility; 2) provide that voter information packets be made available in English and Spanish to facilities which are located in any county in which bilingual sample ballots are required to be provided under current law; 3) inform each administrator or superintendent of a correctional facility or the operator of a private facility that they are not to seek to influence an inmate's political preference or party affiliation or display a political preference or party affiliation; and 4) conduct an annual audit to ensure the correctional facilities and private facilities are providing voter information packets to each inmate, as required by the bill. Currently, an individual who is convicted of a crime of the first through fourth degree is prohibited from voting in any primary, municipal, special, or general election while serving a sentence for that crime and while on parole or probation as a result of that conviction.

AI Summary

This bill requires correctional facilities, including private facilities such as halfway houses, to provide each inmate with a voter information packet upon release. The packet includes voter registration forms and instructions, as well as a form certifying that the inmate was informed of their right to vote. The Commissioner of Corrections is responsible for developing the voter information packets, providing them to all facilities, ensuring they are available in English and Spanish, and conducting annual audits to ensure compliance. The bill also prohibits facility staff from attempting to influence an inmate's political preferences. Currently, individuals convicted of certain crimes are prohibited from voting while serving their sentence and on parole or probation.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/14/2020)

bill text


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