New Jersey Assembly Bill A3948

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies.

Impact

Upon establishment, each county is mandated to conduct a public awareness campaign to encourage senior residents to register. This will help local authorities make tailored preparations to provide necessary assistance during emergencies effectively. Furthermore, the counties are given the authority to supply emergency kits, through funding appropriated from the General Fund, to those registered seniors. This approach acknowledges the specific vulnerabilities of elderly individuals during emergency situations and aims to enhance local capabilities for emergency preparedness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3948 is a legislative proposal from the State of New Jersey, introduced on March 4, 2024, that enables each county to create a central registry for senior residents aged 65 and older. This registry is intended to facilitate the registration of seniors who require additional assistance during emergencies. The bill outlines that senior residents must voluntarily provide essential information, such as name, address, phone number, emergency contacts, and relevant medical conditions, to be part of this central registry. Each county's office of emergency management will maintain the registry, ensuring that it is secure and private.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on the welfare of senior citizens, it introduces complexities surrounding the handling of personal information. The proposal ensures that the data collected through the registry will not be publicly disclosed and can only be used by designated emergency management authorities. However, some concerns may arise regarding the balance between personal privacy and the need for information in emergencies. As emergency management procedures are further centralized through this bill, discussions could focus on the adequacy of resources and the potential bureaucratic challenges faced by counties implementing these new systems.