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Bill

A 4927

Prohibits administrative fees on accounts and allowances of persons released from incarceration.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

Prohibits administrative fees on accounts and allowances of persons released from incarceration to ease reintegration and reduce financial barriers.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4927

Summary: New Jersey Assembly Bill A-4927 (Session 222)

Title

Prohibits administrative fees on accounts and allowances of persons released from incarceration.

Purpose and intention

A-4927 seeks to protect individuals who have been released from incarceration from being charged administrative fees related to their accounts and allowances. The bill aims to prevent the imposition of non-transaction fees or service charges that could encumber formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into the community.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition on administrative fees: The bill would bar certain administrative charges on accounts and allowances of persons released from incarceration. This includes fees assessed by state or local agencies managing released inmates’ accounts, benefits, or disbursements.
  • Scope of accounts and allowances: The prohibition applies to monetary accounts and any allowances connected to an individual’s release (e.g., funds provided upon release, stipends, or other support-managed disbursements). The exact definitions of “accounts” and “allowances” are intended to cover government-managed funds and benefits linked to release.
  • Enforcement and remedies: The bill would establish penalties or remedies for violations, potentially including fines, cessations of the fees, or other enforcement mechanisms available to the relevant state agencies. It may specify reporting requirements or auditing to ensure compliance.
  • Definitions: Clarifying definitions for terms such as “administrative fees,” “accounts,” “allowances,” and “persons released from incarceration” to ensure consistent application of the prohibition.
  • Coordination with existing programs: The bill may reference, or align, with existing reentry or parole-related programs, ensuring that the prohibition does not conflict with other statutory requirements or fund management rules.

Who would be affected

  • Formerly incarcerated individuals: Primary beneficiaries, as they would no longer face administrative fees on their release-related accounts and allowances.
  • State and local government agencies: Entities tasked with managing released individuals’ funds and benefits would need to adjust procedures to comply with the prohibition.
  • Service providers and contractors: Any third-party administrators handling release-related accounts may need to modify fee structures or discontinue certain charges.
  • Advocates and community organizations: Groups supporting reentry may highlight the bill as a measure to reduce financial barriers to successful reintegration.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • The bill, if enacted, would become effective on a specified effective date (often a set date after enactment) or as otherwise provided within the bill. The exact effective date would be stated in the final text.
  • It may include transition provisions to allow agencies to adjust internal systems, policies, and forms.
  • Enforcement mechanisms would detail penalties for noncompliance and any grace periods for compliance.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Reintegration benefits: By removing administrative fees, the bill could reduce financial obstacles for individuals reentering society, potentially aiding in employment, housing, and general stability.
  • Administrative burden: Agencies may incur initial costs to adjust systems and ensure fee removals are consistently applied.
  • Equity implications: The policy targets a demographic that faces unique poverty and access challenges, aligning with broader criminal justice reform and reentry support goals.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to include the bill’s exact statutory language once the official text is available, or compare it with similar existing NJ reentry provisions.

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

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