ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3038

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 15, 2025

      The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3038.

      As reported by the committee, this bill clarifies that residents with a mental illness or substance use disorder may include themselves on municipal lists of persons in need of special assistance in an emergency.

     Under current law, a municipality may enact an ordinance requiring the municipal clerk to maintain a list of names and addresses of municipal residents who identify themselves as being in need of special assistance in the event of an emergency.  This information is to be maintained on their behalf for public safety purposes.  The list is cross-indexed by name and address of the resident and identifies the resident’s special circumstances.  The clerk is required to provide the initial list and monthly updates to the municipal police department, fire departments or districts, and first aid or rescue squads.

      This bill clarifies that residents with a mental illness or substance use disorder may request that their name, address, and circumstances be included on the municipal special needs list.  Under the bill, a law enforcement officer would be authorized to consult the list prior to responding to an emergency call.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.