New Jersey Assembly Bill A3107

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Excludes donations up to $15,000 when determining income eligibility for applicants to the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program.

Impact

If enacted, A3107 would amend existing regulations concerning the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, specifically the evaluation of applicants' income. This exclusion is significant as it acknowledges the role of community support and fundraising in alleviating financial burdens on families dealing with catastrophic illnesses in children. The bill seeks to create a more compassionate approach to eligibility, allowing families the opportunity to receive necessary funds without the worry of disqualifying their applications due to community contributions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3107 aims to exclude community donations of up to $15,000 from the income assessment of parents or legal guardians applying for the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund program. The intent is to ensure that families raising funds to support their child's medical care are not adversely affected when determining eligibility for assistance with medical expenses. This change addresses previous legislation which did not allow for any exclusions of income, therefore potentially penalizing families receiving community support during difficult times.

Contention

The proposal may face varying opinions among stakeholders. Supporters are likely to advocate for the bill as a necessary modification to improve the support system for affected families, arguing that it recognizes the need for flexible financial assistance criteria. Detractors, however, could raise concerns about the potential long-term implications for state funding and the sustainability of the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, especially if contributions alter the financial landscape of the program's budgeting.