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Bill

A 620

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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Morales and 2 co-sponsors

DHS must establish a program to help children of incarcerated non-custodial parents enroll in safety net benefits like food and health assistance.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 620

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 620 mandates the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a formal program that helps children whose non-custodial parents are incarcerated navigate enrollment in safety net programs (such as SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and similar benefits). The bill addresses a gap in support for a vulnerable population whose access to public assistance may be complicated by parental incarceration.

Why is this important

Children with incarcerated parents face heightened risks of poverty, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare coverage. However, custodial caregivers often struggle to navigate complex benefit enrollment processes without specialized guidance. A dedicated DHS program could systematically reduce these barriers and improve outcomes for thousands of New Jersey children in this situation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: Critics may question the fiscal impact of establishing a new program and hiring staff to manage outreach and enrollment assistance, particularly during budget constraints.
  • Scope limitations: The bill focuses only on non-custodial incarcerated parents; some may argue it should address all children with incarcerated parents or question why this specific category warrants dedicated resources.
  • Privacy and data concerns: Creating a program that identifies and tracks families with incarcerated members raises questions about data privacy, stigma, and whether participation might trigger unintended consequences.

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

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