Bill > S2886

Introduced Session

This bill revises the eligibility requirements for general assistance benefits under the Work First New Jersey program for individuals convicted of an offense involving the use, possession, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. Currently, persons convicted of offenses involving the use or possession of a controlled dangerous substance may be eligible for general assistance benefits if they enroll in or complete a licensed drug treatment program, and persons convicted of an offense involving the possession of a controlled dangerous substance are permanently ineligible for benefits. Certain exceptions to the requirement to complete a drug treatment program apply if no program was available or the applicant was excused from meeting the requirement for good cause. This bill revises these restrictions to provide that anyone who is convicted of an offense involving the use, possession, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance will be eligible for general assistance benefits under the Work First New Jersey program if the individual completes a drug treatment program or otherwise qualifies for one of the current statutory exceptions.

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Raj Mukherji (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document