New Jersey Assembly Bill A3628

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Prohibits payment of temporary disability benefits to incarcerated individuals.

Impact

Upon enactment, A3628 will directly influence the eligibility criteria for temporary disability benefits, effectively excluding incarcerated individuals from receiving such benefits regardless of their circumstances prior to incarceration. By modifying Section 15 of the existing law, this bill emphasizes a stricter stance on benefits distribution during incarceration, reflective of broader trends toward limiting welfare support for individuals involved in criminal activities. Proponents of the bill argue that this measure promotes a responsible allocation of state resources, ensuring that disability benefits are reserved for individuals who are participating constructively in society.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3628 aims to amend the New Jersey 'Temporary Disability Benefits Law' by prohibiting the payment of temporary disability benefits to individuals during any period of incarceration in a federal, state, or municipal facility due to a criminal offense. The bill specifically looks to clarify and solidify the existing provisions surrounding disability benefits, ensuring that no benefits are disbursed while an individual is incarcerated, thereby altering the landscape of state welfare provisions. This legislation is particularly significant given its implications for the many individuals impacted by the criminal justice system who may also be eligible for temporary disability benefits.

Contention

The introduction of A3628 is likely to raise discussions regarding the rights of incarcerated individuals, particularly around the accessibility of welfare benefits that they may rely on upon release. Critics of the bill might view it as a punitive measure that exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society after serving their time. There may also be concerns around the potential for increased poverty and instability for these individuals and their families as a result of being cut off from temporary disability benefits during incarceration. The bill thus encapsulates a broader dialogue about social justice, equity, and the role of government assistance in the lives of those adversely affected by the legal system.