New Jersey Senate Bill S2353

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/22
• Refer: 3/21/22

Caption

Requires emergency shelters for the homeless to admit certain persons unless they pose danger.

Impact

The legislation is poised to significantly impact state laws by codifying protections for a broader range of individuals in need of emergency shelter services. By prohibiting shelters from denying access based on assumptions about mental health or substance use, the bill attempts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for homeless individuals. However, the measure allows shelters to refuse access if there is a reasonable belief that a person poses a danger to themselves or others, thereby balancing safety concerns with the need for accessibility.

Summary

Senate Bill 2353 aims to amend existing laws governing emergency shelters for the homeless in New Jersey. The bill's core objective is to expand the criteria under which individuals can be denied shelter. Currently, shelters cannot refuse admittance to someone based solely on their perceived mental illness. SB2353 seeks to extend this protection to include individuals who may be perceived as drug or alcohol dependent, those not compliant with medication regimens, or those who have consumed alcohol off the premises. This change is aimed at ensuring that more vulnerable populations are granted access to emergency housing without facing discriminatory barriers.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB2353 may reveal potential points of contention among lawmakers and stakeholders. Advocates argue that the bill is a crucial step towards reducing stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse, hence facilitating better access to necessary services. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications for shelter safety and the potential challenges that could arise from admitting individuals who may indeed pose a risk. This debate will likely focus on the effectiveness of existing safeguards and the balance between providing access to vulnerable populations and maintaining a safe shelter environment.