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Bill > S1096


NJ S1096

NJ S1096
Permits local health boards to require minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October through April in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill allows local health boards to require a minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October 1 until May 1 within the habitable rooms of the dwelling units in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons. Specifically, this bill only applies to "housing for older persons," as defined in section 807(b)(2) of the federal "Fair Housing Act," 42 U.S.C. s.3607, except for nursing facilities, and to any "community residence for the developmentally disabled," "community residence for the mentally ill," and "community residence for persons with head injuries," as defined in section 2 of P.L.1977, c.448 (C.30:11B-2). Within those buildings, the bill does not apply to rooms that are part of dwelling units occupied exclusively by persons who are neither 62 years of age or older, nor have a disability. Currently, all multiple dwellings are statutorily required to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees during daytime hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and 65 degrees from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. whenever the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees. This bill eliminates the restriction that this temperature requirement may only apply when the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees.

AI Summary

This bill grants local health boards the authority to mandate a minimum indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit from October 1st through May 1st in specific buildings occupied by seniors and disabled individuals. This applies to "housing for older persons," as defined by federal law (Fair Housing Act), excluding nursing facilities, and to community residences for the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, or those with head injuries. The bill removes the previous requirement that heating mandates only apply when the outside temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and it clarifies that this higher temperature requirement does not apply to rooms within units exclusively occupied by individuals who are neither 62 or older nor disabled. This change aims to ensure warmer living conditions for vulnerable populations in designated housing types.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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