SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 991

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 8, 2024

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 991.

      As reported by the committee, this bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to establish a permanent unit in the office to serve the needs of State residents with access and functional needs. The responsibilities of the unit are to include:

· determining the needs of residents with access and functional needs before, during, and after disasters and emergencies;

· determining the Statewide availability of relevant resources and assistance;

· assessing and addressing the ability of residents with access and functional needs to access available resources and assistance; and

· coordinating with county and local offices of emergency management and relevant resource providers to determine, expand, and implement best practices to be utilized in support of residents with access and functional needs. 

      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.