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Bill

A 5428

Establishes an ombudsperson for local correctional facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carrie Woerner

Establishes a senior citizens telephone chat-line under the Division of Aging Services to provide weekly emotional support through matched volunteer calls.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · A 5428

Summary of NJ Bill A 5428

Note on title vs. text: The bill’s stated title in the user input refers to “Establishes an ombudsperson for local correctional facilities.” However, the introduced version text provided implements a different program: the establishment of a senior citizens telephone chat-line. The summary below follows the introduced version content. If the intention is an ombudsperson for correctional facilities, please provide the correct text or confirm which version to summarize.

Quick overview

  • Bill number: A 5428
  • Title (per user input): Establishes an ombudsperson for local correctional facilities
  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • Status: REFERRED TO CORRECTION
  • Primary sponsor: Carrie Woerner
  • Related/companion: S 4527
  • Version text (Introduced Version) focuses on a senior citizens telephone chat-line rather than an ombudsperson for correctional facilities

What the bill would do (Introduced Version)

  • Create a senior citizens telephone chat-line within the Division of Aging Services, part of the Department of Human Services.
  • Purpose: Connect older adults who feel isolated or lonely with matched volunteers who provide emotional support through weekly telephone check-ins.
  • Participation and registration:
    • Recipients: Persons aged 60+ (or their family member/guardian) may register to receive weekly calls. Registration requires a form with:
    • Recipient’s name and address
    • Interests and hobbies
    • Preferred times for calls
    • Any other info the division prescribes
    • Volunteers: Individuals aged 18+ may register to volunteer. Registration requires:
    • Interests and hobbies
    • Residence/location
    • Other information to aid matching by shared interests and geography
  • Privacy/confidentiality:
    • The Division must protect the confidentiality of:
    • Names of recipients and volunteers
    • Information discussed during telephone calls
  • Implementation and rules:
    • The Department of Human Services must adopt rules/regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a voluntary, community-based support line for seniors.
  • Formal registration process for both recipients and volunteers with data collected to facilitate matching.
  • Matching framework based on shared interests and geographic proximity.
  • Confidentiality protections for participant information and call content.
  • Regulatory framework to govern operation, privacy, and program specifics.

Who would be affected

  • Seniors aged 60 and over (or their family/guardians) who seek weekly emotional support via telephone.
  • Adults aged 18 and over who wish to volunteer as weekly telephone supporters.
  • The Division of Aging Services and the broader Department of Human Services, which would administer the program.
  • Potentially family members and guardians involved in registering on behalf of seniors.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status indicates the bill has been referred to the Correction Committee (as of the provided data) with prior references to Aging and Human Services committees.
  • Regulatory framework to be developed under the Administrative Procedure Act (ongoing rulemaking).
  • There is no specified funding amount or phased implementation timeline in the introduced text; regulation and program rollout would likely determine ongoing timelines.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Social impact: Potential to reduce isolation and improve well-being among older residents.
  • Operational considerations: Requires volunteer recruitment, screening, training, and ongoing matching logistics; data privacy safeguards must be robust.
  • Privacy: Explicit confidentiality requirements for participant data and call content.
  • Financial: No explicit funding details provided; future budgeting would be needed for staffing, training, and program infrastructure.

Important note

If the intended focus is indeed an ombudsperson for local correctional facilities, the provided introduced text does not reflect that purpose. Please share the correct bill text or confirm whether this summary should reflect the senior chat-line provisions as written.

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

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