WeVote
Log In

Bill

RA

Bill

AJR 67

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

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 6 co-sponsors

Designates the last week of April as Reentry Week to raise awareness and encourage agencies and groups to support services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Received in the Senate without Reference, 2nd Reading
#commemoratio #corrections
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AJR 67

Summary of Assembly Joint Resolution 67 (AJR 67) – New Jersey

Overview

  • Bill type: Joint Resolution
  • Short title: Designates the last week of April each year as “Reentry Week.”
  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Current status: In the Senate without Reference, 2nd Reading (as of May 12, 2025)
  • Companion bill: SJR 97

Purpose and Intent

AJR 67 designates the last week of April annually as “Reentry Week” to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when reentering their communities. The measure aims to encourage organizations, including State agencies, to support efforts and resources that assist individuals released from prison or jail in pursuing productive, healthy lives.

Key Provisions

  • Designation of Reentry Week: The last week of April each year is formally designated as “Reentry Week.”
  • Governor’s Proclamation: Each year, the Governor may issue a proclamation urging public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Effective date: The joint resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Committee amendments: The bill, as reported from the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee, includes technical and clarifying amendments to enhance readability and implementation.

Background and Context

  • The measure cites ongoing state efforts to address reentry challenges identified by the New Jersey Reentry Services Commission (RSC) and the Commission on Reentry Services for Women (CRSW), including improving access to employment, housing, healthcare, addiction and mental health services, and family reunification.
  • It references prior reports and actions (e.g., 2019 RSC action steps and 2020 CRSW recommendations) and emphasizes the role of local reentry councils, community groups, and faith-based organizations in providing resources.

Affected Parties

  • Formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, who may benefit from increased awareness and potential access to services.
  • State agencies, local governments, and nonprofit/community organizations that may participate in observing Reentry Week and promoting related programs.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Committee action: September 12, 2024 (Assembly committee amendments reported)
  • Assembly action: March 24, 2025 (passed 73-3-0)
  • Senate action: May 12, 2025 (received in Senate without reference, 2nd Reading)
  • Related legislation: SJR 97 (companion measure in the Senate)

Potential Impacts

  • Symbolic designation with the potential to mobilize awareness, education, and outreach activities.
  • Encourages coordination among state agencies and community organizations to support reentry services, though no new funding or mandatory programs are established by this resolution.
  • Could influence future policy discussions related to prisoner reentry and related supports.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.