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 Division of Aging Services (the division) in the Department of Human Services to establish a senior citizens telephone chat-line to connect older adults who are feeling isolated or lonely with matched volunteers who will offer emotional support via weekly telephonic check-ins. A person 60 years of age or older or a person's family member or guardian may register with the division to receive a weekly telephone call, on a form prescribed by the division. The form is to include the name and address of the person who will be receiving the weekly telephone call, information on the person's interests and hobbies, the most convenient times for the person to receive the weekly telephone calls, and any other information prescribed by the division. A person 18 years of age or older seeking to volunteer with the telephone chat-line is to register with the division and provide information on: the person's interests and hobbies; the person's place of residence; and any other information that will help the division match a volunteer, based on similar interests and geographical location, with a person registered to receive a weekly telephone call. The bill stipulates that the division provide for the confidentiality of the names of the persons registered to receive weekly telephone calls, the names of the volunteers making the weekly telephone calls, and the information discussed on the telephone calls.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that the Division of Aging Services, part of the Department of Human Services, create a telephone chat-line specifically for senior citizens to combat loneliness and isolation. The program will connect individuals aged 60 and older, or their family members or guardians, with volunteers who are at least 18 years old. Both seniors and volunteers will register with the division, providing details about their interests, hobbies, and preferred contact times, so that the division can match them based on shared interests and proximity. The division is also responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of all participants and the conversations held through the program, and will adopt necessary regulations to implement these provisions.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services 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/A991 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/991_I1.HTM |
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