New Jersey Assembly Bill A4336

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/10/24
• Refer: 5/10/24

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of A4336 would expand current protections that only cover individuals with mental illnesses to include those struggling with substance dependency and non-compliance with medical treatments. This change might significantly affect the operations of emergency shelters, as they would need to reassess their admissions policies to comply with the new legal requirements. Although shelters can still deny access to individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others, this legislative shift aims to reduce barriers for vulnerable populations seeking assistance.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4336 is designed to amend existing legislation regarding emergency shelters for the homeless in New Jersey. The bill's primary purpose is to prohibit these shelters from denying admittance to individuals based on perceptions or beliefs that the person has a mental illness, is dependent on drugs or alcohol, is not following a prescription medication regimen, or has consumed alcohol prior to seeking shelter. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that vulnerable individuals are provided access to essential services without prejudice, facilitating a more inclusive approach to homelessness relief.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions on the balance between public safety and the need for accessible emergency shelter services. Supporters argue that the expansion of the law represents a critical step in addressing homelessness by reducing stigma associated with mental health and substance use issues, while opponents express concerns about the potential for negative outcomes in shelter environments if current safety protocols are not adequately maintained. The dialogue surrounding A4336 highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in communal living situations.