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Bill > S3682


NJ S3682

NJ S3682
Establishes prisoner reentry peer support hotline.


summary

Introduced
02/24/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes a toll-free hotline for peer-based prisoner reentry support. The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Corrections and Health, the Executive Director of the Youth Justice Commission, and the Chairman of the State Parole Board to establish and maintain on a 24-hour daily basis a prisoner reentry support toll-free telephone hotline service, operating through one of the existing telephone hotline services of the department. Under the bill, the hotline will receive and respond to calls from formerly incarcerated persons seeking support in reentry following release from custody. The bill provides that the hotline operators are required to be peer recovery specialists, certified by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey, or national certified peer recovery support specialists, certified by the Association for Addiction Professionals. The operators would receive any further training as determined to be necessary by the Commissioner of Human Services, to carry out the purpose of the bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a 24-hour, toll-free prisoner reentry support hotline, which will be managed by the Commissioner of Human Services in collaboration with other state officials, including those from Corrections, Health, the Youth Justice Commission, and the Parole Board, and will operate through an existing departmental hotline service. The primary purpose of this hotline is to provide support to individuals who have been incarcerated and are seeking assistance as they transition back into the community, a process known as reentry. Crucially, the individuals answering calls on this hotline will be certified peer recovery specialists, meaning they have personal experience with recovery from addiction or other challenges and are trained to help others navigate similar situations. These peer recovery specialists will also receive additional training as deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Human Services to effectively fulfill their role in supporting former inmates.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 02/24/2026)

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