TRENTON, N.J. — A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature would allow counties to appoint a pretrial release coordinator tasked with connecting eligible criminal defendants to social services and public assistance programs while awaiting trial.
Under the proposed legislation, county governments could adopt ordinances or resolutions to appoint a coordinator responsible for evaluating the needs of defendants who have been charged with indictable or disorderly persons offenses and released pretrial. The coordinator’s role includes assessing access to services like Medicaid, housing aid, addiction treatment, and employment assistance.
“The county pretrial release coordinator shall offer assistance to the defendant in accessing any services deemed appropriate,” the bill states, adding that participation in services is voluntary. Counties may also assign the same individual to fulfill duties related to both pretrial and reentry coordination.
Key Points
- New Jersey bill would authorize counties to appoint pretrial release coordinators for defendants released pending trial
- Coordinators would help defendants access treatment, benefits, and job resources
- Annual data collection and reports would assess the impact of services on rearrest and conviction rates
The coordinator would work closely with local welfare agencies and social service boards and assist defendants with applications for public assistance, scheduling appointments for services, and ensuring enrollment in substance use or rehabilitation programs. The services offered could include access to Work First New Jersey, career centers, and non-driver ID assistance.
Counties would be required to collect demographic data and track service use, rearrests, and convictions for three years following a defendant’s release. An annual report based on these findings would be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by March 1 each year.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the coordinator meet annually with local stakeholders—such as judges, human services directors, treatment providers, and former program participants—to establish best practices and recommend service improvements.
Funding would be provided through annual state appropriations, with the law scheduled to take effect on the first day of the second month following enactment.