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Bill

A 4520

Requires DHS to establish program to assist children with incarcerated non-custodial parents in enrolling in safety net programs.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey directs DHS to help children of incarcerated non-custodial parents enroll in state assistance programs like SNAP and Medicaid.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4520

Legislative bill overview

Assembly Bill A 4520 directs the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a program that helps children whose non-custodial parents are incarcerated access and enroll in government assistance programs (safety net programs). The bill aims to remove barriers these children may face in accessing benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and other support services due to their parent's incarceration status or related complications.

Why is this important

Children with incarcerated parents often face economic hardship and may be ineligible or unaware of available assistance programs. By establishing dedicated outreach and enrollment support through DHS, the bill could reduce child poverty and improve access to essential services for a vulnerable population. This addresses a practical gap where bureaucratic complexity and lack of targeted assistance may prevent eligible children from receiving needed support.

Potential points of contention

  • Program cost and funding: No funding mechanism is specified in the bill summary; critics may question implementation costs and whether new appropriations would be required
  • Scope and definitions: Questions about which "safety net programs" are included and how broadly "non-custodial parent" is defined could affect program reach and design
  • Implementation feasibility: Concerns about DHS capacity to establish and manage a new program, and coordination challenges with incarceration systems (county jails, state prisons, federal facilities)

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

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