New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1519

Introduced
2/10/22  

Caption

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

Impact

The implications of S1519 are significant for both minors and adults with disabilities. For minors under 18, the bill permits legal action to be initiated within 37 years after reaching the age of majority, or within seven years of discovering the injury and its cause. For adults, the statute allows actions to be initiated within seven years of discovery. This extended timeframe aims to ensure that injured parties are afforded adequate opportunity to seek recourse, thus enhancing protections under New Jersey law against abuse and bullying.

Summary

Senate Bill S1519, introduced on February 10, 2022, seeks to establish a civil framework for addressing cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying of minors and adults with disabilities. The bill amends existing statutes and adds provisions to the Adult Protective Services Act to enhance protections for disabled individuals. Notably, it sets specific timelines for filing civil actions regarding such injuries and introduces provisions that require healthcare professionals and first responders to report incidents of bullying against vulnerable adults.

Contention

Debates surrounding the bill are likely to arise concerning its enforcement and the adequacy of protections it affords. While proponents believe that it solidifies essential protections for vulnerable populations, critics might argue about the practicality of enforcement and the necessity of additional resources for protective services. The bill also specifies increased criminal penalties for acts against individuals with developmental disabilities, which may attract ongoing discussions on the balance between punishment and prevention in safeguarding vulnerable adults.

Companion Bills

NJ A2854

Same As Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2854

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

NJ S2846

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

NJ A4267

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

NJ S1329

Revises certain requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

NJ S1216

Revises certain requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

NJ A2239

Revises certain requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

NJ A3708

Revises certain requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

NJ SB664

Vulnerable adults; establishing cause of action for certain abuse, neglect or exploitation. Effective date.

NJ HB1835

Abuse of elderly and disabled adults; Protective Services for the Vulnerable Adults Act; definition; persons required to report; investigation and reporting; Oklahoma's Protection and Advocacy System; Nursing Home Care Act; liability; waivers; reports; effective date.

NJ HB532

Generally revise laws related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults

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NJ A2854

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.

NJ A4267

Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.