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A 5135

Relates to mental health services and resources for child protective services employees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michaelle Solages

Establishes a voluntary central registry for New Jersey seniors 65+ to collect stats, enable wellness checks in emergencies, and share aging services information.

REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
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Bill Summary · A 5135

Summary: Assembly Bill No. 5135 (A-5135)

Overview

A-5135 would establish a voluntary central registry for senior citizens in New Jersey, managed by the Division of Aging Services (DAS) within the Department of Human Services. The registry is intended to help collect statistical information on seniors, provide wellness check calls during emergencies, and distribute information about services and programs for older residents. The bill also authorizes the use of death record notifications to keep the registry up to date, and requires a statewide public awareness campaign in English and Spanish.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a voluntary central registry

    • Administered by the Division of Aging Services (DAS) in the Department of Human Services.
    • Purpose: compile senior population statistics, conduct wellness check calls during emergencies, and disseminate information on services/programs (including links to NJ SAVE, Area Agencies on Aging, and emergency preparedness info).

  • Death record updates

    • DAS may receive death notifications from the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System to update registry records.

  • Eligibility and data collection

    • Individuals age 65 or older may apply to be included.
    • Required information: name, date of birth, address, income level, and contact information (email and phone).

  • Opt-out/removal rights

    • Registrants may request removal; DAS must wait 21 days before removing the information and destroying all records related to the registrant.

  • Privacy and confidentiality

    • Registry data are confidential and not public records, and may only be used by the DAS or designated agencies to implement the bill’s purposes, per law.

  • Public awareness campaign

    • A statewide, multilingual (English/Spanish) campaign to raise awareness of the registry, targeted at individuals who are 64 or older (note: text inconsistencies appear between sections regarding the exact age target).

  • Regulatory and implementation steps

    • The Commissioner of Human Services would adopt rules/regulations as necessary to implement the act (Administrative Procedure Act processes).

  • Effective date

    • Takes effect 90 days after enactment, with possible anticipatory actions by DHS to begin implementation.

Fiscal Considerations

  • State costs: Approximately $500,000 annually to establish/maintain the registry and conduct the public awareness campaign.
  • County costs: Potential increased costs for counties (through Area Agencies on Aging) to support higher utilization of services; amount is indeterminate.
  • Basis: OLS estimates draw on comparable state registries and campaigns (cancer registry, breast cancer outreach).

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Division of Aging Services, Department of Human Services.
  • Partners: 21 county-supported Area Agencies on Aging; other designated state agencies.
  • Constituents: New Jersey seniors 65+ (and potentially 64+ for awareness outreach).

Status and Legislative Action

  • Introduced: December 16, 2024.
  • Initial referral: Aging and Human Services Committee; reported favorably February 13, 2025.
  • Subsequent referral: To the Assembly Children and Families Committee (February 12–13, 2025).
  • Related: Companion/Senate versions and prior-session related bills exist (e.g., S-3760, S-253).

Practical Notes

  • The registry is voluntary; participation is opt-in.
  • Privacy protections are central, with data not treated as a public record.
  • The bill contemplates partnerships with county aging networks to inform residents about services.

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

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