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 would establish the "Homeless Bill of Rights." The purpose of this Bill of Rights is to ensure that no person should suffer unnecessarily or be subject to unfair discrimination based on his or her homeless status. The bill establishes the following rights to be afforded to all persons experiencing homelessness:· the right to use and move freely in public spaces, including, but not limited to, public sidewalks, public parks, public transportation and public buildings, in the same manner as any other person, and without discrimination on the basis of the person's housing status;· the right to equal treatment by all State and municipal agencies, without discrimination on the basis of housing status;· the right not to face discrimination while seeking or maintaining employment due to the lack of permanent mailing address, or their mailing address being that of a shelter or social service provider because of the person's housing status;· the right to emergency medical care free from discrimination based on the person's housing status;· the right to vote, register to vote, and receive documentation necessary to provide identity for voting without discrimination due to the person's housing status;· the right to protection from disclosure of records and information provided to homeless shelters and service providers to State, municipal and private entities, without appropriate legal authority; and the right to confidentiality of personal records and information in accordance with all limitations and disclosure established by the federal Homeless Management Information System, the "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-191, and the "Violence Against Women Act of 1994," Pub.L.103-122;· the right to a reasonable expectation of privacy in the person's personal property to the same extent as personal property in a permanent residence; and· the right to enter a homeless shelter while in the possession of a service dog as defined in the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.). The bill provides that a prevailing plaintiff in any civil action alleging a violation of the provisions of this bill may be awarded appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Homeless Bill of Rights," aims to prevent unfair discrimination against individuals experiencing homelessness by establishing a set of fundamental rights. It defines "housing status" as not having a fixed or regular residence, including living on the streets or in temporary shelters. The bill grants homeless individuals the right to freely use public spaces like sidewalks, parks, and transportation in the same way as anyone else, and to receive equal treatment from state and local agencies. It also protects them from employment discrimination due to their lack of a permanent mailing address or using a shelter's address, and ensures they receive emergency medical care without discrimination. Furthermore, homeless individuals are guaranteed the right to vote and obtain necessary identification for voting, and their personal information shared with shelters and service providers will be protected from unauthorized disclosure, adhering to federal privacy laws like HIPAA and the Violence Against Women Act. The bill also recognizes a reasonable expectation of privacy for their personal property and allows them to enter homeless shelters with service dogs, as defined by existing anti-discrimination laws. If these rights are violated, individuals can seek legal remedies including injunctions, damages, and attorney fees.
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/S2658 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2658_I1.HTM |
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