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Bill

A 376

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

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 6 co-sponsors

Counties may set up voluntary central registries to identify seniors for emergency help and provide county-determined emergency supply kits to registered individuals.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 376

Bill A 376 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Overview

This bill would authorize each county to establish a central registry to identify and assist senior residents (aged 65 and older) during emergencies, and to provide emergency supply kits to registered seniors. The registry would be voluntary and maintained by the county office of emergency management. The act also appropriates funds to prepare and distribute emergency supply kits, subject to approval by the state budget director, and sets an eventual effective date with a potential for anticipatory action by the state.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Create a framework for counties to proactively identify senior residents who may need extra help during emergencies.
  • Enable distribution of emergency supply kits to registered seniors to improve preparedness and resilience during disasters or emergencies.

Key Provisions

1) Central Registry for Senior Residents

  • Definitions:
    • “Senior resident” = person aged 65+ who resides in a county that establishes a central registry (per this bill’s provisions).
  • Registry establishment:
    • Each county may establish a central registry to allow voluntary registration for additional emergency assistance.
    • Registry maintained by the county office of emergency management.
    • Information collected may include: name, address, telephone number, emergency contact, medical conditions, and other related data.
  • Public awareness and privacy:
    • Counties that create a registry must run a public awareness campaign (via the Internet and other resources) to inform seniors and the public.
    • Registry information is to be used solely by the county office of emergency management for preparing for and providing assistance during emergencies.
    • The director of the county emergency management office may access registry data if needed to develop an Emergency Operations Plan.
    • Registry data and access are protected from public inspection under specified privacy laws; only the director’s access is explicitly allowed under the stated purpose.

2) Emergency Supply Kits

  • Each county that creates a registry may prepare and provide emergency supply kits for registered senior residents.
  • Kit contents are determined by the county office of emergency management consistent with applicable statute (P.L.1989, c.222).

3) Appropriation and Implementation

  • A General Fund appropriation is authorized to the State Office of Emergency Management to cover operating expenses for preparing emergency supply kits for registered seniors.
  • Funds are subject to approval by the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting (Treasury).

4) Effective Date and Implementer Readiness

  • Effective date: The act takes effect on the first day of the thirteenth month following enactment.
  • The Director of the State Office of Emergency Management may begin anticipatory administrative actions before that date to implement the act.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Counties in New Jersey (option to establish central registries and provide kits).
  • Senior residents (65+) who opt to register to receive enhanced emergency assistance and potentially receive emergency supply kits.
  • State and county offices of emergency management, which would manage the registries and kit programs.
  • General public for public awareness campaigns about registration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee on 2026-01-13.
  • Envisions a phased rollout with a 13-month lag from enactment to full effectiveness, plus possible preparatory actions in advance.
  • Funding contingent on appropriation and Treasury approval.

Summary

Bill A 376 authorizes New Jersey counties to create voluntary central registries to identify and assist senior residents during emergencies and to distribute county-determined emergency supply kits to registered individuals. It includes privacy protections for registry data, required public awareness campaigns, and a state appropriation for kit-related expenses, with implementation beginning roughly 13 months after enactment and potential pre-implementation steps by the state emergency management office.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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