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Bill

S 3900

Establishes Task Force on Aging in New Jersey in DOH.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

Establishes a 17-member Task Force on Aging in the Department of Health to study, coordinate, and improve aging-related services and policies for dignity, independence, and quality

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3900

Overview

S.3900 (2026) establishes the Task Force on Aging in New Jersey within the Department of Health. The task force is charged with studying and improving state resources and services for older residents to promote dignity and independence as they age. The act is introduced in the 222nd New Jersey Legislature and is sponsored by Senator Angela McKnight.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a dedicated body to identify gaps, prioritize needs, and make recommendations to enhance aging-related services in New Jersey.
  • Ensure aging policies support dignity, independence, and quality of life for older residents.
  • Promote inclusive, person-centered approaches to aging across state programs and services.

Key Provisions

Task Force Structure

  • Establishes a 17-member Task Force on Aging in the Department of Health.
  • Ex officio members (serve without holding office for voting):
    • Commissioner of Health (acts as chair), Commissioner of Human Services, Public Guardian, and New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman (or their designees).
  • Public members appointed by the Governor:
    • Two members recommended by the President of the Senate (one representative of aging advocacy organization; one representative from an organization or agency providing programs/services to seniors).
    • Two members recommended by the Speaker of the General Assembly (one representative of aging advocacy organization; one representative from an organization or agency providing programs/services to seniors).
    • Nine additional public members to include:
    • Representative of the New Jersey Association of Area Agencies on Aging
    • Representative of the New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well
    • Representative of AARP
    • Representative of the New Jersey Elder Rights Coalition
    • Representative of the Center for Health Aging at Rutgers University
    • A physician with geriatrics training and certified added qualifications
    • An individual aged 65+ in a long-term care facility
    • An individual aged 65+ living at home
    • A caregiver of someone aged 65+
  • Terms: Public members generally serve three-year terms. Initial staggered terms: four members for one year, five for two years, and five for three years. Vacancies filled by appointing authorities; members eligible for reappointment.
  • Chair: Commissioner of Health (or designee).

Support and Operations

  • The task force may form subcommittees as needed.
  • Members serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for necessary expenses within available funds.
  • The Department of Health provides staff support (stenographic, clerical, professional) as needed.
  • The task force may utilize employees from other state, county, or municipal agencies as necessary.

Duties and Scope

The task force shall:
1. Review policies, procedures, programs, and practices related to services for older residents across state, county, municipal agencies, and community-based organizations.
2. Study, analyze, and monitor data on aging processes and needs collected by state agencies and community organizations.
3. Examine state activities, processes, and strategies that support family caregivers of older adults.
4. Evaluate state policies and procedures that affect quality of care in long-term care facilities.
5. Establish an educational program for seniors covering:
- Consumer rights
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Elder abuse and scams
- Affordable, quality housing options
- Transportation services
- Other factors affecting quality of life for older residents
6. Ensure state aging policies are inclusive of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and other population characteristics.

Reporting and Timeline

  • Initial report: The task force must deliver its recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 18 months after organization.
  • Ongoing reporting: The task force must issue reports of any new or updated recommendations on a biennial basis.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Potential Impact

  • Creates a centralized, interdisciplinary body to assess and improve aging-related supports in New Jersey.
  • May lead to coordinated enhancements across health, long-term care, housing, transportation, caregiver supports, and elder rights programs.
  • Emphasizes inclusivity and equity in aging policies to reflect the state's diverse population.
  • Establishes a formal process for regular reporting and updating aging strategies every two years.

Who Is Affected

  • Older residents of New Jersey (65+), including those living at home and those in long-term care facilities.
  • Caregivers of older adults.
  • State agencies (Health, Human Services, and other departments) and community-based aging organizations.
  • Organizations representing older adults (AARP, aging advocacy groups, elder rights coalitions, area agencies on aging, etc.).

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or potential fiscal implications based on typical staffing and reporting requirements.

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

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