SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 58

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 23, 2023

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Joint Resolution No. 58.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this joint resolution declares the last week of April of each year as “Reentry Week.”

      Formerly incarcerated individuals face numerous challenges that include finding work, housing, healthcare, addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and transportation, in addition to reuniting with family.  These challenges can lead to recidivism and health, safety, and social concerns.

      Local reentry organizations, community and faith-based organizations, and other organizations across New Jersey play key roles in providing resources to formerly incarcerated individuals.

      Reentry week provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about the challenges that formerly incarcerated individuals face and to encourage organizations, including State agencies, to support efforts to provide assistance and resources to formerly incarcerated individuals.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to make technical and clarifying changes.