Bill
Bill > S1191
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish a luggage donation program to which a person can donate luggage in order for a child in resource family care to transport the child's personal belongings when the child: (1) enters resource family care; (2) is removed from one resource family home and placed into another; (3) moves to attend college; or (4) ages out of resource family care. As defined in the bill, "child" mean any person 21 years of age or under who has been placed in resource family care by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, and "luggage" means a new or slightly used, durable suitcase, duffle bag, backpack, or similar portable case that is designed to hold a person's clothing and personal articles. The DCF is to contract with community-based, faith-based, and non-profit organizations providing services to children in, or aging out of, resource family care to accept, store, and distribute luggage deemed necessary for a child in resource family care, pursuant to the provisions of the bill, and the contract is to delineate the policies and procedures that will be used to accept, store, and distribute the luggage donated to the program. The luggage accepted, stored, and distributed by the program to children in resource family care is to be clean, in good condition, and the personal belongings of the person donating the luggage must be removed prior to donation. The DCF is to submit an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature on the effectiveness of providing luggage to children in resource family care through the luggage donation program.
AI Summary
This bill mandates the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a luggage donation program for children in resource family care, which means young people up to 21 years old placed in foster care by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The program will accept donations of new or gently used luggage, such as suitcases, duffel bags, or backpacks, to help these children transport their belongings when they enter foster care, move between foster homes, go to college, or age out of the system. The DCF will partner with community, faith-based, and non-profit organizations to manage the collection, storage, and distribution of this luggage, ensuring it is clean and in good condition, with all personal items removed by the donor. The bill also requires these partner organizations to establish clear procedures for handling the donated luggage and allows them to seek grants to support the program. Finally, the DCF will submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's effectiveness, including the number of children served and any recommendations for improvement.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S1191 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1191_I1.HTM |
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