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Bill

S 4085

Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco and 2 co-sponsors

Create a state program partnering with labor organizations to provide employment, training, and support services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4085

Bill Summary: S 4085 (New Jersey, 2026 Session)

Title

Establishes the Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a formal program—the Second Chance Program—dedicated to increasing employment and workforce reintegration opportunities for people with past incarceration.
  • Leverage labor organizations as primary partners to connect eligible individuals with job opportunities, training, mentorship, and supportive services.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Program Establishment: Establishes the Second Chance Program within the appropriate state agency or department (as determined by the bill’s text) to administer initiatives aimed at formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • Collaboration with Labor Organizations: Requires or authorizes collaboration with registered labor organizations to provide pathways to employment, career development, apprenticeships, and labor-market training.
  • Eligibility and Participation: Sets criteria for what constitutes a “formerly incarcerated” individual eligible for program participation. May include considerations such as release status, sentence completion, and demonstrated readiness for employment.
  • Services Provided: May include job placement, vocational and literacy training, resume and interviewing support, occupational safety training, and continued mentoring or case management.
  • Funding and Resources: Outlines potential funding mechanisms (state appropriation, grants, federal funds, or dedicated program funding) to support program operations, training, and placement activities.
  • Performance and Accountability: Establishes metrics or reporting requirements to measure outcomes (e.g., placements, retention in employment, wage progress, recidivism indicators) and periodic program evaluation.
  • Non-Discrimination and Compliance: Ensures equal opportunity considerations and compliance with state anti-discrimination laws and relevant labor standards.
  • Sunset or Review Provisions: May include a scheduled review, sunset date, or renewal process to assess program effectiveness and continuation.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: Primary beneficiaries, eligible to access services, training, and job placement through the program.
  • Labor Organizations: Partners in delivering programs, hosting apprenticeships, and providing employment opportunities and mentorship.
  • State Agencies: Agencies involved in workforce development, corrections, and labor, responsible for administration, funding, and oversight.
  • Employers/Industry Partners: Employers cooperating with the program to hire participants and participate in training or apprenticeship pathways.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate (Bill S 4085) and referred to the Senate Labor Committee (as of 2026-05-04).
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsors include Senator Troy Singleton and Senator Tony Bucco.
  • Next Steps: If advanced by the Senate Labor Committee, the bill would require floor votes in the Senate and then reconciliation with any Assembly counterpart (if applicable) and final passage before a governor’s signature to become law. Specific timelines would depend on committee action and legislative scheduling.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Could create structured pathways from incarceration to sustainable employment via labor unions and industry partnerships.
  • May improve recidivism outcomes through stable employment and support services.
  • Programs’ effectiveness will hinge on funding levels, partner engagement, eligible population definitions, and robust outcome tracking.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical components of such programs. Final text variations may modify eligibility, scope, funding, and oversight.

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

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