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Bill > S3209
NJ S3209
NJ S3209Requires certain preliminary approval of municipality prior to licensure of community group homes.
summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 that before the Department of Human Services (department) can issue a license to operate a community group home, which is defined as a residence for individuals with developmental disabilities or substance addiction where staff provides treatment and support for community living, the applicant must first obtain a certificate of preliminary approval from the municipality where the home will be located. This certificate, issued by municipal officials, confirms that the proposed group home complies with all existing local ordinances and regulations, including zoning and land use rules. The department will not grant a provisional or permanent license if this certificate is not submitted with the license application, ensuring that new community group homes meet local requirements before they can open.
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 01/28/2026)
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/S3209 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3209_I1.HTM |
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