Bill
Bill > S798
NJ S798
NJ S798Establishes one-year pilot program for certain persons with disabilities; appropriates up to $85,000.
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 establishes a one-year pilot program for certain persons with disabilities in the Department of Human Services. Under the bill, the purpose of the pilot program is to: (1) create a vocational program for individuals with disabilities; (2) provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to learn recreational, social, and vocational skills; (3) provide individuals with disabilities the ability to engage in recreational, social, and vocational activities in order to develop relationships within the community; and (4) provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore their interests and build confidence in their abilities. The bill provides that the pilot program is to: (1) select one or more direct support professionals, as this term is defined in the bill, who possess training tailored to the specific needs of program participants, to assist these individuals with social, vocational, and recreational activities and skills; (2) select at least three individuals who meet certain qualification criteria to participate in the program; (3) provide program participants a minimum of six hours of weekly recreational, social, and vocational development activities as provided for in the bill; (4) collect data on a regular basis regarding the development of the program participants; and (5) provide quarterly progress reports, as well as a final, year-end report to participants' parents or guardians, as appropriate. Under the bill, no later than three months following the completion of the pilot program, the Commissioner of Human Services is to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature containing information necessary to assess the success and budgetary needs of the pilot program. Any information included in the report concerning program participants will be de-identified. In order to effectuate the purposes of the pilot program, the bill appropriates up to, but not more than, $85,000, to be determined by the Commissioner of Human Services and subject to the approval of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a one-year pilot program within the Department of Human Services designed to help certain individuals with disabilities develop vocational, social, and recreational skills, fostering community integration and confidence. The program will employ trained "direct support professionals," who are individuals providing daily non-medical assistance to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to help them integrate into the community, advocate for themselves, find employment, make informed choices, and lead self-directed lives. The pilot will select at least three participants aged 21-30 with intellectual or developmental disabilities who do not exhibit aggressive behavior or have both a mental illness and an intellectual/developmental disability, and who express interest in personal growth. Participants will receive a minimum of six hours of weekly activities, including vocational courses, soft skill workshops, mentorship, recreational and social outings, and volunteer opportunities. The program will track participant progress, provide quarterly and final reports to parents or guardians, and undergo an independent evaluation. Up to $85,000 is appropriated to fund this initiative, with the Commissioner of Human Services determining the exact amount, subject to approval from the Division of Budget and Accounting. The bill takes effect immediately and will conclude after the final report is submitted.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
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/S798 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/798_I1.HTM |
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