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Bill > A4317


NJ A4317

NJ A4317
Stipulates that qualifying applicant for personal assistance services who is primary caregiver of minor child is automatically eligible for services.


summary

Introduced
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill stipulates that an applicant to the Personal Assistance Services Program, or PASP, who is a primary caregiver of one or more minor children and who is otherwise eligible for services, is to be automatically determined eligible by the applicable county- designated agency for up to 40 hour per week of personal assistance services based upon an assessment of the applicant's needs. Personal assistance services are health and chore related tasks performed by a personal assistant and include assistance in essential daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation; assistance with mobility, laundry, and shopping; and driving or other forms of transportation. Currently the Division of Disability Services in the Department of Human Services administers the PASP. Existing law provides that the program is to assist adults with permanent physical disabilities in the performance of routine, nonmedical tasks that are directly related to maintaining their health and independence, in order to enable these persons to: 1) be employed; 2) receive training or education related to employment, parenting, or volunteering; or 3) support community-based independent living. Under the law, "community-based independent living" means self-directed living whereby the applicant is actively participating in community-based activities aside from employment or education, including parenting. This bill expands the existing law's provisions regarding parenting and requires automatic eligibility for a qualifying applicant who is the primary caregiver of one or more dependents.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Personal Assistance Services Program, or PASP, which currently helps adults with permanent physical disabilities perform daily tasks to maintain their health and independence, allowing them to work, get training, or live independently in the community. The key change is that any applicant for PASP who is a primary caregiver of one or more minor children and meets the general eligibility requirements will now be automatically approved for up to 40 hours per week of personal assistance services, which include help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, mobility, shopping, and transportation, after their needs are assessed by the local agency. This expansion specifically recognizes parenting as a valid reason for community-based independent living, which is a core goal of the PASP.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee (on 02/19/2026)

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