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S 4189

Defines blighted properties and areas; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey

New senior-focused housing (90%+ seniors) must install standby emergency generators with weekly checks and monthly load tests to ensure power during outages under DEP/DCA rules.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · S 4189

Summary of S 4189 (New Jersey)

Overview

S 4189 is an introduced bill that would require standby emergency power generators in certain newly constructed senior-focused residential multi-dwelling buildings. The bill defines the target project type, sets operational and testing standards, and directs state agencies to promulgate implementing rules. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee. Primary sponsor: Jamaal Bailey.

Purpose and intent

  • To enhance resilience of housing designated for seniors by ensuring electricity availability during power outages.
  • To establish a uniform construction standard within the State Uniform Construction Code for eligible new senior-focused housing, requiring standby emergency power generation under specified conditions.

Key provisions

  • Scope (1a): Applies to newly constructed residential multiple dwellings where at least 90% of units will be occupied by seniors, and if the construction permit application has not been declared complete before the bill’s effective date, the building must be equipped with a standby emergency power generator.
  • Generator operation (1b):
    • Generators must comply with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations governing standby emergency power generators.
    • Must be checked weekly, tested under load monthly, and serviced according to generally accepted engineering practices by the building manager or operator.
    • May be operated only to provide power to the senior housing in order to protect health and welfare during power outages.
  • Definition (1c): “Seniors” means persons aged 62 years or older.
  • Rulemaking (1d): The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) must promulgate rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.
  • Effective date (2): The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected entities

  • Developers and owners of newly constructed residential multi-dwelling projects with at least 90% senior occupancy that have permit applications not declared complete before the act’s effective date.
  • Building managers/operators of those developments.
  • State agencies: Department of Environmental Protection (regulatory alignment) and Department of Community Affairs (rulemaking).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary (with a prior referral to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee referenced in the introduction materials).
  • Related/companion measures: A 3438 (companion bill) and several prior-session related bills listed.

Potential implications

  • Could raise construction and operating costs for eligible senior housing due to installation, ongoing testing, maintenance, and compliance with DEP rules.
  • May affect project timelines due to required generator installation and eventual rulemaking by DCA.
  • Aims to bolster resilience and safety for senior residents during power interruptions.

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

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