New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3948

Introduced
3/4/24  

Caption

Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies.

Impact

Upon establishment, each county is mandated to conduct a public awareness campaign to encourage senior residents to register. This will help local authorities make tailored preparations to provide necessary assistance during emergencies effectively. Furthermore, the counties are given the authority to supply emergency kits, through funding appropriated from the General Fund, to those registered seniors. This approach acknowledges the specific vulnerabilities of elderly individuals during emergency situations and aims to enhance local capabilities for emergency preparedness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3948 is a legislative proposal from the State of New Jersey, introduced on March 4, 2024, that enables each county to create a central registry for senior residents aged 65 and older. This registry is intended to facilitate the registration of seniors who require additional assistance during emergencies. The bill outlines that senior residents must voluntarily provide essential information, such as name, address, phone number, emergency contacts, and relevant medical conditions, to be part of this central registry. Each county's office of emergency management will maintain the registry, ensuring that it is secure and private.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on the welfare of senior citizens, it introduces complexities surrounding the handling of personal information. The proposal ensures that the data collected through the registry will not be publicly disclosed and can only be used by designated emergency management authorities. However, some concerns may arise regarding the balance between personal privacy and the need for information in emergencies. As emergency management procedures are further centralized through this bill, discussions could focus on the adequacy of resources and the potential bureaucratic challenges faced by counties implementing these new systems.

Companion Bills

NJ S3317

Same As Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies.

Previously Filed As

NJ A376

Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies.

NJ S1574

Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies; appropriates funds.

NJ A4975

Requires creation of central registry of residents with special needs for use during emergencies.

NJ S4348

Requires creation of central registry of residents with special needs for use during emergencies.

NJ A2189

Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.

NJ A4332

Establishes central registry for, and provides for informational outreach to, senior citizens living in New Jersey.

NJ A2746

Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service.

NJ A2490

Creates New Jersey Mental Health Residential Reform Treatment Act.

NJ HB521

Board of Registrars; background checks required, authorize pay during emergencies, qualification for compensation during holidays and emergencies specified

NJ A1948

Establishes permanent unit in Office of Emergency Management to address access and functional needs of residents related to disasters and emergencies.

Similar Bills

NJ A1155

Establishes State Parkinson's disease registry.

OH SB236

Enact the Suicide Self-Defense Act

NJ A1016

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.

NJ S2987

Requires automatic registration with New Jersey Immunization Information System upon administration of vaccine for certain persons who consent to registration.

NJ A3853

Establishes State Parkinson's disease registry and awareness campaign.

TX HB772

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB46

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

LA HB541

Establishes a registry for individuals and entities that provide caregiving services (EN NO IMPACT See Note)