New Jersey Assembly Bill A2248

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

"Mary's Law"; requires Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund to provide direct payments for purchases of specialized, modified motor vehicles.

Impact

The bill modifies existing laws to specify that financial aid for vehicle purchases must include direct payments to sellers and relevant modification businesses within 30 days of application approval. Additionally, the bill expands the types of services covered under the fund to better accommodate families, emphasizing transportation and modification needs for children with specific health challenges. This reform seeks to improve the accessibility of necessary transportation solutions for affected families.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2248, also known as 'Mary's Law', aims to provide enhanced financial assistance to families with children suffering from catastrophic illnesses. This bill mandates that the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) supplies direct payments for the purchase of specialized, modified motor vehicles needed for these children. The change is intended to ease the financial burden on families who currently must pay out-of-pocket first and then seek reimbursement, which can be a significant challenge for many.

Contention

While the bill has many advocates who highlight the importance of reducing financial strains on families with children facing serious health issues, there may be concerns regarding the funding mechanism. The bill increases the annual surcharge for contributing employers from $1.50 to $3 per employee, which some opposition members might argue places additional burdens on businesses. The balance between enhancing care for children and managing the impact of increased costs on employers could become a notable point of discussion in legislative reviews.