Bill

Bill > S991


NJ S991

NJ S991
Establishes permanent unit in Office of Emergency Management to address access and functional needs of residents related to disasters and emergencies.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
02/08/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to establish a permanent unit in the office to serve the needs of State residents with access and functional needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on residents of New Jersey with disabilities, older adults, and other at-risk groups, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, as well as the consequences of other types of disasters and emergencies. In 2018, the CDC estimated that 24.6% of New Jersey adult residents had a disability, which is a sizeable portion of the State's population. The economic impact on people with disabilities and their families, as well as the burden on individual health as a result of the pandemic, are an existential threat to the disability community. Accordingly, it is in the public interest for the State to engage in comprehensive planning and coordination within the northern, central, and southern regions of the State to support residents with access and functional needs.

AI Summary

This bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to establish a permanent unit in the office to serve the needs of State residents with access and functional needs. The unit's responsibilities include determining the needs of these residents before, during, and after disasters and emergencies, assessing their ability to access available resources and assistance, and coordinating with local emergency management offices to implement best practices. The unit will consist of one full-time supervisor and three full-time planners to assist the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. The bill defines "residents with access and functional needs" as those with disabilities, older adults, people with limited English proficiency, limited transportation access, or limited financial resources, who may be particularly vulnerable during disasters and emergencies.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 02/08/2024)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S991
Fiscal Note - Fiscal Estimate 2/15/24; as introduced https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/991_E1.PDF
Analysis - Technical Review Of Prefiled Bill https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/991_T1.PDF
Analysis - Statement SLP 2/8/24 https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/991_S1.PDF
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S1000/991_I1.HTM
Loading...