ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2205

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 19, 2026

      The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2205.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO).

      Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health, in collaboration with the Attorney General, is to develop, prepare, and produce signs that display information relating to the VCCO.  The signs are required to be clearly written, to be readily comprehensible, and to provide information concerning: (1) the services and benefits offered by the VCCO; (2) contact information for the VCCO; and (3) the procedures for filing a victim’s compensation claim.  The information provided by the commissioner is required to be posted in clearly visible locations in every satellite emergency department and emergency department of a general hospital that is licensed under current law.  Electronic or physical signs may be utilized.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

      1)   clarify language related to the sign requirements in emergency departments; and

      2)   make other technical changes.