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Bill

Bill

A 4975

Requires creation of central registry of residents with special needs for use during emergencies.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Clifton

Creates a state central registry of residents with special needs to aid emergency planning, response, and resource allocation during crises.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4975

Summary of Bill A 4975 (NJ, 222nd Session)

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a central registry of residents with special needs to be used during emergencies.
  • Aims to improve emergency planning, response, and resource allocation for individuals who require additional assistance in crisis situations (e.g., medical, mobility, cognitive, or other support needs).

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of a Central Registry:
    • A state-managed database that identifies residents who have special needs requiring assistance during emergencies.
    • Intended to be accessible to authorized emergency management and public safety personnel during declared emergencies or drills.
  • Data elements:
    • Information likely to include resident contact details, nature of special needs, required accommodations, location (address or last known location), and any critical services (medical equipment, power needs, transportation requirements).
    • Specific data fields and privacy protections will be defined by implementing regulations or agency rulemaking.
  • Access and use:
    • Protocols for who can access the registry (e.g., state and local emergency management agencies, first responders, and certain authorized personnel).
    • Criteria for use during emergencies (e.g., to prioritize outreach, allocate resources, deploy mobility assistance, or coordinate sheltering).
  • Privacy and security:
    • Measures to protect sensitive personal information.
    • Compliance requirements with state privacy laws and confidentiality standards.
  • Maintenance and updates:
    • Procedures for voluntary enrollment, updating information, and ensuring data accuracy.
    • Regular renewal or verification cycles to keep the registry current.
  • Coordination:
    • Alignment with local emergency plans and coordination with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local governments.
    • Potential partnerships with public health departments or social services for outreach and data validation.

Who would be affected

  • Residents with special needs who opt-in to the registry, or whose information is collected by authorized entities in accordance with the bill.
  • Local and state emergency management agencies, first responders, hospitals, and shelters that would reference the registry during emergencies.
  • Service providers and organizations serving individuals with special needs, which may participate in enrollment or data validation efforts.
  • Government departments responsible for public safety, health, and social services, which would enact implementing regulations and maintain the registry.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced on 2026-05-07.
    • Referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee.
  • Next steps (typical process):
    • Committee hearings, potential amendments, and a vote in the Assembly.
    • If approved, the bill would move to the Senate for a parallel track of consideration and potential enactment.
    • Final passage could lead to signature by the Governor or another constitutional process depending on state rules.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Benefits:
    • Enhanced situational awareness for emergencies, enabling targeted assistance and quicker, safer evacuations or sheltering for residents with special needs.
    • Improved coordination among emergency responders, healthcare providers, and social services.
  • Considerations:
    • Ensuring robust privacy protections and clear consent processes for enrollment.
    • Addressing data accuracy, maintenance costs, and long-term sustainability of the registry.
    • Equity in access to enrollment and avoiding stigmatization or unnecessary surveillance concerns.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include potential fiscal implications, hypothetical implementation timelines, or compare with similar registries in other states.

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

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