New Jersey Assembly Bill A1607

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Directs certain recoveries of federal funds for services to persons with developmental disabilities be used for grants to support community infrastructure purposes.

Impact

The legislation creates the Developmental Disabilities Community Infrastructure Fund, designed to support critical infrastructure needs for those with developmental disabilities. This fund will receive any surplus federal funds after contract deficits are settled. The bill establishes specific priorities for the disbursement of grants from this fund, focusing on initiatives such as repairing and upgrading community facilities and acquiring necessary assistive technology and accessibility equipment. This approach aims to enhance the living conditions and support systems for individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting greater independence and community integration.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1607 aims to streamline the utilization of excess federal funds received through the Community Care Waiver for services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill mandates that any unexpected reimbursement from federal sources exceeding the anticipated amounts in the annual budget be prioritized for offsetting deficits in contracts between the Division of Developmental Disabilities and community agencies. This mechanism is intended to improve the financial stability of service providers while ensuring that federal funds are used effectively to benefit qualifying individuals in the community.

Contention

While general support for the bill highlights its intention to directly assist those with developmental disabilities, concerns may arise regarding the sufficiency of funding for broader service needs. Some stakeholders might argue that focusing heavily on infrastructure grants could detract resources from other essential services, such as counseling or personal care. Moreover, the requirement for annual reporting by the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities to legislative committees could trigger discussions about accountability and the appropriate allocation of state and federal resources.