Bill
Bill > S4559
NJ S4559
NJ S4559Requires certain preliminary approval of municipality prior to licensure of community group homes.
summary
Introduced
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires preliminary approval by a municipality as a condition for the Department of Human Services (department) to be able to issue a license to operate a community group home. The bill defines the term "community group home" to mean a living arrangement that is operated in a residence or residences leased or owned by a licensee, which provides the opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities, or drug or alcohol addiction, to live together in a home, sharing in chores and the overall management of the residence, and in which staff provides treatment or specialized services needed to assist the residents to live in a community setting, and supervision, training, or assistance in a variety of forms and intensity as required to assist the residents as they move toward independence. Specifically, the bill requires an applicant who seeks a license from the department to operate a community group home to first obtain a certificate of preliminary approval from the appropriate municipal officials in the municipality in which the community group home is located. The bill requires the preliminary approval to consist of a letter or affidavit from the appropriate municipal officials that the proposed community group home conforms to all applicable municipal ordinances and regulations adopted prior to the date of the request for preliminary approval, including but not limited to, zoning and land use ordinances and regulations. The bill further requires that the department not approve an application for a provisional license, or thereafter, a permanent license, to operate a community group home if the applicant fails to provide this certificate of preliminary approval to the department with the license application.
AI Summary
This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services to obtain municipal preliminary approval before issuing a license for a community group home, which is defined as a residential setting for individuals with developmental disabilities or drug/alcohol addiction where residents live together and receive supportive services to help them work towards independence. Specifically, the bill mandates that license applicants must first obtain a certificate of preliminary approval from municipal officials, consisting of a letter or affidavit confirming that the proposed community group home complies with all existing municipal ordinances and regulations, particularly zoning and land use requirements. If an applicant fails to submit this certificate of preliminary approval along with their license application, the department is prohibited from approving the license. The bill amends existing law to add this new requirement and formally define "community group home" in the state's regulations, ensuring that such residential facilities meet local municipal standards before being authorized to operate. This approach aims to provide municipalities with more oversight and input into the establishment of community group homes in their jurisdictions while maintaining support for individuals with disabilities or addiction seeking community-based living arrangements.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 06/02/2025)
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/S4559 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4559_I1.HTM |
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