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Bill

A 852

Establishes "Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems" pilot program in DOH; appropriates $2,000,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey establishes a $2M emergency response pilot program within DOH to test community-based approaches to strengthening emergency systems statewide.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 852

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 852 creates a pilot program called the "Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems" within New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and allocates $2,000,000 in funding for its implementation. The bill was introduced in the Assembly in January 2024 and is currently under review by the Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.

Why is this important

Emergency response systems directly affect public safety outcomes during crises, and pilot programs can test innovative approaches before broader implementation. The $2 million investment signals legislative interest in potentially reforming how emergency services operate at the community level, though the specific mechanisms and outcomes remain undefined without the bill's detailed text.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of specificity: The bill's title doesn't clarify what "community response" means—whether it involves mental health crisis teams, community paramedics, or other alternatives to traditional police response
  • Funding adequacy and allocation: It's unclear whether $2 million is sufficient for meaningful pilot implementation across multiple communities or if funds are properly distributed between planning, staffing, and evaluation
  • Oversight and accountability: Without visible accountability measures, there may be concerns about whether pilot outcomes will be properly evaluated and reported to justify continuation or expansion of the program

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

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