Bill

Bill > S2908


NJ S2908

NJ S2908
Requires correctional facilities to provide voting rights information packets to inmates.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that correctional facilities, including private halfway houses, must provide every inmate with a voter information packet upon their release. This packet will contain voter registration forms and instructions, along with a signed form confirming the inmate was verbally and in writing informed of their right to vote, with both the inmate and a facility official signing this certification. The facilities must keep a record of this signed form and give a copy to the inmate. The Commissioner of Corrections is responsible for supplying these packets, ensuring they are available in English and Spanish in counties requiring bilingual ballots, instructing facility administrators not to influence inmates' political views, and conducting annual audits to verify compliance. This initiative aims to facilitate voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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