Bill
Bill > S137
NJ S137
NJ S137Permits local health boards to require minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October through April in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill allows local health boards to require a minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October 1 until May 1 within the habitable rooms of the dwelling units in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons. Specifically, this bill only applies to "housing for older persons," as defined in section 807(b)(2) of the federal "Fair Housing Act," 42 U.S.C. s.3607, except for nursing facilities, and to any "community residence for the developmentally disabled," "community residence for the mentally ill," and "community residence for persons with head injuries," as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.448 (C.30:11B-2). Within those buildings, the bill does not apply to rooms that are part of dwelling units occupied exclusively by persons who are neither 62 years of age or older, nor have a disability. Currently, all multiple dwellings are statutorily required to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees during daytime hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and 65 degrees from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. whenever the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees. This bill eliminates the restriction that this temperature requirement may only apply when the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees.
AI Summary
This bill allows local health boards to require a minimum indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit from October 1st through May 1st in specific types of residential buildings occupied by seniors and disabled individuals, including "housing for older persons" (as defined by federal law, excluding nursing facilities) and certain community residences for those with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or head injuries. This new requirement applies to habitable rooms within these buildings, with an exception for rooms exclusively occupied by individuals who are neither 62 or older nor disabled. The bill removes the previous restriction that such temperature mandates only applied when the outside temperature dropped below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and it also clarifies that building owners are responsible for maintaining the required heat, even if lease agreements attempt to shift this responsibility, unless a tenant agrees in writing to supply their own heat for a unit with independent heating equipment.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
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/S137 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/137_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S0500/137_I1.HTM |
Loading...