Bill > AJR17

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates August 27 of each year as "Billy Cray Day." According to the latest annual report of the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their families, the high frequency with which the ombudsman's office receives reports about abuse and neglect in group homes signals a persistent problem. "There is no question that abuse and neglect occur in some of our congregate settings. I cannot tell you how prevalent it is or why it occurs, but families share their horrifying pictures and stories on a regular basis," stated the ombudsman in the office's latest annual report. The ombudsman suggested that the State convene a "frank discussion" on abuse and neglect, implement a "zero tolerance with teeth," and raise the standards and wages for direct support professionals who work in congregate settings. William "Billy" Cray, a 33-year-old man with developmental disabilities, was found dead on the floor of his bedroom closet in a congregate setting on August 27, 2017. Billy's mother, Martha Cray, had been at odds with the congregate setting in the months preceding her son's death due to unexplained bruises and other injuries suffered by Billy. "The loss of a child, is best described as a state of purgatory and hell wrapped up in one," said Martha Cray, as she wept while testifying before the New Jersey Legislature. In 2020, New Jersey introduced legislation dedicated to Billy Cray, which, if enacted, would require congregate settings to install electronic monitoring devices. According to this legislation, currently pending before the Legislature in the 2022-2023 legislative session as Assembly Bill No. 2483 and its identical counterpart Senate Bill No. 1897, Billy Cray's death is a reminder of why the State needs to strengthen oversight of congregate settings and further enhance the ability of congregate setting residents and their family members or guardians, to take affirmative steps to protect the rights and safety of residents and promptly respond to injuries and other concerning incidents occurring in congregate settings In honor of Billy Cray, and in light of other confirmed reports of abuse and neglect suffered by individuals with developmental disabilities in congregate settings, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate August 27 of each year as "Billy Cray Day" to bring awareness to any abuse, neglect, and exploitation that may be occurring in congregate settings and to further protect the safety of congregate setting residents in this State.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Michele Matsikoudis (R)*,  Erik Simonsen (R)*,  Shanique Speight (D)*,  Bob Auth (R),  Antwan McClellan (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document