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MD

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AJR 109

Establishes "Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force" to study and make recommendations concerning ways to improve transportation services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 3 co-sponsors

Creates a 7-member task force to study and improve transportation for people with disabilities and seniors, issuing findings and possible legislation within 18 months.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 109

Summary of AJR 109 (New Jersey)

Overview

AJR 109 is a joint resolution that establishes the “Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force” to study and recommend improvements to transportation services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. The task force would examine barriers, technology, infrastructure, and accessibility, and would issue a formal report with recommendations and potential legislative proposals within 18 months of its organizational meeting. The resolution takes effect immediately and expires when the task force’s report is issued.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated, cross-agency body to identify and recommend ways to enhance transportation options for people with disabilities and seniors.
  • Focus on reducing obstacles, improving connectivity across transportation systems, and leveraging technology (including real-time information and automated/connected vehicle tech) to improve accessibility and mobility.

Key Provisions

Task Force Composition

The task force would consist of seven members:
1. Commissioner of Transportation (ex officio) or designee
2. Commissioner of Human Services (ex officio) or designee
3. Executive Director of the New Jersey Transit Corporation (ex officio) or designee
4. A representative from the New Jersey Association of Counties (appointed by the Governor)
5. A representative from an organization advocating for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (appointed by the Governor)
6. A representative from an organization advocating for persons with physical disabilities (appointed by the President of the Senate)
7. A representative from an organization advocating for senior citizens (appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly)

Compensation and Staffing

  • Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual, necessary expenses if funds are available.
  • The task force can utilize staff and resources from state, county, or municipal agencies and may hire stenographic/clerical help as needed, within available funds.

Organization and Operations

  • The task force must organize within 30 days of member appointments.
  • It must elect a chairperson from among its members; a secretary (not necessarily a member) is chosen by the chair.
  • Meetings can be called by the chair and may include public hearings at designated locations.
  • The task force can request appearances by state officials and solicit testimony from interested groups and the public.
  • A four-member quorum is required to conduct business.

Issues and Areas of Study

The task force must examine:
- Transportation obstacles faced by persons with disabilities and senior citizens and mitigation strategies
- Ways to improve infrastructure and technology, and to coordinate/connect transportation systems for seamless mobility
- Ways to improve independent travel training
- Ways to enhance real-time transit information for delays or cancellations
- How automated and connected vehicle technology can improve transportation accessibility

Deliverables and Timeline

  • The task force must prepare and submit a report with findings, recommendations, and legislative proposals to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 18 months after its organizational meeting.
  • The task force expires upon submission of the report.

Status and Related Legislation

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly on February 1, 2024; referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
  • Related Bill: SJR 145 (companion measure in the Senate).

Impact

  • Establishes a formal, multi-stakeholder mechanism to drive policy and programmatic changes in accessible and senior transportation.
  • Could influence future legislation, funding priorities, and agency coordination across transportation, social services, and public transit agencies in New Jersey.
  • Creates a defined 18-month timeline for actionable recommendations, with a permanent impact only through the resulting report and any subsequent legislative actions.

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

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