ASSEMBLY AGING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2691

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 6, 2026

      The Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2691.

      As amended by the committee, this bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA), from the current rate of $50, pursuant to the FY 2024 Appropriations Act, to $140 for residents of nursing homes, State and county psychiatric hospitals, State developmental centers, and special hospitals.

      As amended, the bill defines “special hospital” as any hospital which assures provision of comprehensive specialized diagnosis, care treatment, and rehabilitation where applicable on an in-patient basis for one or more specific categories of patients.

      This allowance is intended for residents to spend at their discretion on items such as telephone expenses, a meal out with friends, cards to send to family, reading materials, or hobbies.  The PNA provides residents the opportunity to participate in activities beyond those provided by the facility, to remain connected with family and friends, and to obtain basic items such as clothing and shoes.

      The bill also stipulates that beginning January 1 of the following year after the bill’s enactment, the PNA is to be increased annually by the same percentage as the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits for that year.

      In the case of residents eligible to receive SSI public assistance, a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people with little to no income, the federal government provides up to $30 a month for small comfort items not provided by the facility.  The State currently supplements the federal allowance by $20 to ensure that SSI recipients residing in nursing facilities, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers receive a total PNA per month equal to that of Medicaid recipients, or $50.  Under the bill, as amended, absent any changes in the federal allowance, the State would be responsible for a $90 per month supplemental payment for each SSI recipient residing in nursing facilities, State and county psychiatric hospitals, State developmental centers, and special hospitals.

      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 include SSI recipients residing in special hospitals for which the State is to supplement the federal allowance such recipients receive to ensure that their total PNA per month equals to that of Medicaid recipients residing in nursing facilities, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers.

      The committee amended the bill to define “special hospital” as any hospital which assures provision of comprehensive specialized diagnosis, care treatment, and rehabilitation where applicable on an in-patient basis for one or more specific categories of patients.