New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1995

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.

Impact

If signed into law, this bill would amend existing state regulations to allow young adults with disabilities to receive essential support services that promote community integration, assist with daily living activities, and facilitate job training opportunities. The eligibility change is aimed at helping disabled individuals transition more effectively into adulthood, addressing their unique needs and enhancing their quality of life. The legislative move reflects a growing awareness of the necessity for additional support as individuals with disabilities leave educational settings and enter the workforce or community life.

Summary

Senate Bill S1995 aims to extend eligibility for direct support professional services to individuals aged 18 to 21 who have physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Currently, such individuals do not qualify for these services until they reach the age of 21. The intent of the bill is to ensure those who are disabled, particularly those who may graduate from high school early, can access necessary support before crossing that threshold. This inclusion would be managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), which will be responsible for implementing the provisions of the bill through new rules and regulations.

Contention

While the bill seems to provide a much-needed service, it may raise questions regarding the funding and resources necessary to implement the expanded eligibility effectively. Stakeholders may debate whether DHS has the capacity to accommodate this increased demand for services or if additional state resources will be required. Furthermore, considerations about how this change will harmonize with existing programs and the expectations of service provision for individuals under 21 may also be points of contention.

Companion Bills

NJ A3631

Same As Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.

NJ S1491

Carry Over Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.

NJ A2264

Carry Over Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2569

Provides that persons between 18 and 21 years of age with disabilities are eligible to receive direct support professional services from DHS.

NJ S2570

"Penny's Law"; requires DEP to develop beach accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities.

NJ HF1144

Commissioner of human services directed to seek federal authority to provide supportive parenting services to people eligible for personal care assistance or community first services and supports, and commissioner directed to seek federal waivers.

NJ S1128

Requires Director of Division of Developmental Disabilities to align rates for self-directed employees with maximum service provider rates.

NJ A771

Directs certain recoveries of federal funds for services to persons with developmental disabilities be used for grants to support community infrastructure purposes.

NJ A1847

Prohibits health care professionals from providing gender-affirming health care services to persons under 21 years of age.

NJ S3005

Establishes framework for appointment of receiver for provider of services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

NJ A993

Establishes framework for appointment of receiver for provider of services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

NJ H211

To support the transition to adult services for persons with disabilities

NJ AB2414

An act to amend Sections 4474.17, 4511.5, 4512, 4519.10, and 4641.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to developmental services.

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