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Bill

A 4339

Relates to establishing a county representation system for electing the governor and lieutenant-governor within the state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Barclay and 5 co-sponsors

NJ would fund higher DSP wages to recruit/retainDirect Support Professionals for individuals with ID/DD through a DHS-distributed program.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 4339

Summary of Bill A 4339 (New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a New Jersey program to address direct support professional (DSP) staffing challenges by increasing pay for DSPs.
  • Creates a funding mechanism under the Department of Human Services (DHS) to distribute money to employers of DSPs so they can raise wages for existing or new DSP staff.
  • Aims to improve recruitment and retention of DSPs who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) in home, family, provider-operated, and community-based settings.

Key provisions

  • Section 1 – Direct Support Professional Funding Program

    • The DHS shall establish a direct support professional funding program.
    • The program will distribute funds to employers of DSPs to increase pay for DSPs.
    • The Commissioner of Human Services will set up an application process, guidelines, and compliance standards for the program.
    • DSPs provide essential daily living support, health and well-being assistance, behavioral and mental health support, relationship-building, and community participation for individuals with ID/DD in various settings (homes, provider residences, community programs, workplaces).

  • Section 2 – Appropriation

    • An appropriation is made from the General Fund to DHS to effectuate the provisions of the act.
    • The exact amount is not specified in the introduced text; the funds must be distributed to implement the program.

  • Section 3 – Effective Date and Termination

    • The act takes effect immediately.
    • The act expires upon the distribution of funds appropriated under Section 2.

Who would be affected

  • Direct impact: Direct support professionals (DSPs) and the employers that hire them.
  • Indirect impact: Individuals with ID/DD who rely on DSPs for daily living activities and community participation; DHS and state government administration of the program.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: May 10, 2024 (A 4339 in the Assembly)
  • Current status: Opinion referred to Judiciary (multiple entries reflect committee and opinion scheduling).
  • Legislative actions: Includes referrals to Assembly and Judiciary committees; related actions appear in 2025 with attorney general opinions sought.
  • Related bills: Companion bill S 3234; prior-session related bills A 6324, A 4475, A 4392.

Fiscal and practical considerations

  • The bill provides for an appropriation from the General Fund but does not specify a dollar amount in the introduced version.
  • The program relies on DHS-established guidelines and compliance standards; enforcement and reporting requirements would be set by the department.
  • Because the act is temporary (expires after funds are distributed), stakeholders will want to monitor the allocation timeline and the sufficiency of funds to achieve wage increases.

Notes for readers

  • This introduced version focuses on funding DSP wage increases to alleviate staffing shortages.
  • The bill is in the early legislative process and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 3234); outcomes depend on committee actions and potential amendments.

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

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