Bill > S543

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Office of Women's Services in the Department of Corrections. Under the provisions of this bill, the office is required to ensure that policies, programs, and services are in place and available to address: 1) the specific needs of female inmates in the following areas: medical treatment, including prenatal care; mental health treatment, including treatment for physical or sexual abuse or other trauma; substance abuse treatment; parenting; and child reunification; 2) the specific needs of female inmates who are pregnant, have given birth while incarcerated, have recently given birth prior to incarceration, or are breastfeeding; and 3) any other areas deemed appropriate by the commissioner. The bill provides that the office is to be under the immediate supervision of a director who is to be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The director may appoint employees as necessary, subject to the provisions of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes (Civil Service).

Committee Categories

Teresa Ruiz (D)*,  Kristin Corrado (R),  Nellie Pou (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/11/2022)

Official Document