ASSEMBLY HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4103

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 8, 2023

      The Assembly Human Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4103.

      This bill prohibits emergency shelters for the homeless from conditioning the provision of shelter on a person’s enrollment in certain programs.

      Under the provision of the bill, an emergency shelter for the homeless is required to provide shelter to a person for a minimum of 72 hours, regardless of whether the person is enrolled in a local, State, federal, or private assistance program, or is receiving any other services or benefits.

      The bill provides that following the initial 72 hours, an emergency homeless shelter may require an individual to apply for programs, assistance, or other services or benefits, as a condition of continued provision of shelter.  An individual in compliance with this requirement would have to be provided with shelter for a period of no less than 90 days.

      The bill further provides that an emergency homeless shelter is not required to exceed its licensed capacity, plus any authorized excess capacity, in order to comply with these requirements.  Further, the bill does not prohibit a shelter from refusing to provide shelter if the refusal is otherwise authorized by law or regulation.