New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SJR97

Introduced
3/4/24  
Refer
3/4/24  

Caption

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry Week."

Impact

By officially recognizing Reentry Week, New Jersey aims to promote proactive measures across federal, state, and local levels to improve the reintegration process for returning citizens. The resolution encourages governmental bodies and community organizations to take part in activities that support reentry initiatives, emphasizing the importance of adequate services and resources. It complements the work of organizations like the New Jersey Reentry Services Commission (RSC) and the Commission on Reentry Services for Women (CRSW), which are focused on identifying barriers to successful reentry and proposing solutions.

Summary

SJR97 designates the last week of April each year as 'Reentry Week' in New Jersey. The resolution aims to highlight and raise awareness about the significant challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities. This initiative addresses the often overlooked struggles of finding employment, secure housing, adequate healthcare, and social reintegration that formerly incarcerated individuals confront, which can lead to health and safety concerns as well as high rates of recidivism.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR97 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for supportive policies and resources for those reentering society. Lawmakers and advocates who support the bill generally see it as a vital step towards reducing stigmas and fostering community support for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, discussions may also highlight the reality of systemic issues that can impede the effectiveness of such initiatives without appropriate funding and policies to support comprehensive reentry services.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to foster community involvement and awareness, challenges remain in ensuring that adequate resources are available for implementation. Critics might argue that without a clear strategy and necessary funding, the designation alone will not address the underlying issues faced by those reentering society. The efficacy of Reentry Week will depend heavily on active participation from both government and community entities to bring about meaningful change in the lives of those affected by incarceration.

Companion Bills

NJ AJR67

Same As Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry Week."

NJ SJR58

Carry Over Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry week."

NJ AJR120

Carry Over Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry week."

Previously Filed As

NJ SJR58

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry week."

NJ AJR120

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry week."

NJ AJR67

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry Week."

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR71

Designates fourth week in April of each year as "Every Kid Healthy Week."

NJ AJR98

Designates fourth week in April of each year as "Every Kid Healthy Week."

NJ SJR142

Designates last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR201

Designates last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR77

Designates month of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Month" in New Jersey; designates last full week of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

Similar Bills

NJ AJR67

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry Week."

NJ SJR58

Designates last week of April of each year as "Reentry week."

NJ S2710

Establishes three-year sickle cell disease pilot program; appropriates $10,200,000.

NJ A4052

Establishes three-year sickle cell disease pilot program; appropriates $10,200,000.

CA AB1380

Wildland firefighters: Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program.

NJ A2829

Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ formerly incarcerated individuals.

NJ A658

Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ formerly incarcerated individuals.

NJ AR168

Urges US Congress to enact legislation allowing individuals with disabilities to retain federal disability benefits upon marriage.