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Bill

A 5320

Converts community crisis response team pilot program into permanent program; appropriates $6 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Turns the pilot community crisis response team into a permanent, state-funded program with a $6 million appropriation to provide ongoing on-site crisis intervention and coordinatio

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Bill Summary · A 5320

Summary of Bill A 5320 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

  • This bill converts an existing community crisis response team pilot program into a permanent program within the state.
  • It aims to provide structured, on-the-ground crisis response services as a steady State-funded initiative rather than a temporary or pilot effort.

Key provisions and changes

  • Permanent program designation: The bill codifies the community crisis response team concept as a lasting program within the applicable state agency or department, removing temporary status and ensuring ongoing operation.
  • Funding appropriation: It authorizes and allocates $6 million in state funding to support the program. The appropriation is intended to cover operating costs, staffing, training, and related program activities.
  • Program scope and operations: While the exact operational details are not enumerated in this summary, the bill typically would establish:
    • Roles and responsibilities of crisis response teams (e.g., teams consisting of mental health professionals, crisis workers, and possibly law enforcement liaisons).
    • Protocols for when teams are deployed, response timelines, and coordination with local governments, first responders, and treatment providers.
    • Standards for data collection, reporting, and program evaluation to assess effectiveness and accountability.
  • Administration and oversight: The bill likely sets governance structures, including which state department oversees the program, reporting requirements, and performance metrics. It may also authorize rulemaking or regulatory guidance to implement the permanent program.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: The administration of the crisis response program would fall under the designated state department or agency, with responsibilities for funding, supervision, and evaluation.
  • Local governments and communities: Municipalities and counties that participate in or coordinate with crisis response teams would interact with the permanent program, potentially benefiting from standardized procedures and ongoing support.
  • Individuals in crisis: Residents who experience mental health or behavioral health crises could have improved access to rapid, on-site crisis intervention, de-escalation, and connections to services.
  • Service providers: Mental health professionals, crisis workers, and partner organizations involved in crisis response would be engaged through established protocols and funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would take the pilot program from temporary status and enact it as a permanent, ongoing program upon enactment.
  • The $6 million appropriation provides initial funding; details on annual renewal, budget adjustments, or funding timing (fiscal year alignment) would typically be addressed in the bill’s appropriation language or subsequent implementing regulations.
  • Any required implementation milestones, performance reporting, or sunset provisions (if applicable) would be specified to ensure ongoing oversight and effectiveness.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety and public health: A permanent crisis response program could improve response times, reduce escalations, and facilitate connections to long-term care and services.
  • Cost considerations: The $6 million allocation represents the immediate financial commitment; ongoing funding levels and long-term financial sustainability would be important for continued operation and expansion.
  • Evaluation and accountability: Effective measurement of outcomes (e.g., reduced hospitalizations, reduced use of force, successful linkages to treatment) will be critical to demonstrate value and guide future investments.

Note: This summary reflects the common structure and likely components of a bill converting a pilot crisis response program into a permanent program with a specified appropriation. For precise language, including exact definitions, deployment protocols, and reporting requirements, consulting the bill’s text and fiscal analyses would be recommended.

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

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