summary
Introduced
03/10/2025
03/10/2025
In Committee
03/10/2025
03/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Division of Aging Services (the division) in the Department of Human Services to establish a senior citizens telephone chat-line to connect older adults who are feeling isolated or lonely with matched volunteers who will offer emotional support via weekly telephonic check-ins. A person 60 years of age or older or a person's family member or guardian may register with the division to receive a weekly telephone call, on a form prescribed by the division. The form is to include the name and address of the person who will be receiving the weekly telephone call, information on the person's interests and hobbies, the most convenient times for the person to receive the weekly telephone calls, and any other information prescribed by the division. A person 18 years of age or older seeking to volunteer with the telephone chat-line is to register with the division and provide information on: the person's interests and hobbies; the person's place of residence; and any other information that will help the division match a volunteer, based on similar interests and geographical location, with a person registered to receive a weekly telephone call. The bill stipulates that the division provide for the confidentiality of the names of the persons registered to receive weekly telephone calls, the names of the volunteers making the weekly telephone calls, and the information discussed on the telephone calls.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a senior citizens telephone chat-line through the Division of Aging Services in the New Jersey Department of Human Services, designed to combat social isolation among older adults by connecting seniors who feel lonely with volunteer companions for weekly phone check-ins. Seniors aged 60 and older, or their family members/guardians, can register to receive these weekly calls by completing a form that captures personal details like interests, hobbies, and preferred call times. Volunteers aged 18 and older can also register by providing information about their own interests, residence, and availability, which helps the division match volunteers and recipients based on shared characteristics and geographic proximity. The bill emphasizes participant privacy by requiring the division to maintain the confidentiality of participants' names and the content of their conversations. The Department of Human Services will be responsible for creating specific rules and regulations to implement the program, and the act will take effect immediately upon passage.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 03/10/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5428 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5428_I1.HTM |
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