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A 5005

Requires DHS and other appropriate state agencies to disseminate information on transportation options for persons with developmental disabilities.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michele Matsikoudis and 2 co-sponsors

State agencies must publish accessible transportation options for people with developmental disabilities, including how to use Access Link, with links and clear details.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
#develdisab #statedepts #transport
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Bill Summary · A 5005

Summary: Bill A 5005 – Transportation options information for persons with developmental disabilities

Overview

  • Purpose: Requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and any other state agency that provides services to or interacts with individuals with developmental disabilities to disseminate information about transportation options, including the Access Link paratransit system, and to make this information publicly accessible on agency websites.
  • Statutory basis: Supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes.
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly (February 10, 2025); referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee, with a subsequent referral to Governmental Employees. Primary sponsor: Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn; multiple cosponsors.

Key Provisions

  1. Agency information dissemination

    • DHS and any other relevant state agency must provide pamphlets or written materials describing transportation options available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families (including Access Link).
    • Agencies must post these materials on their departmental websites and include hyperlinks to relevant transportation provider websites.

  2. Development and distribution of materials

    • The Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (within DHS) must develop and distribute the written materials to all appropriate state agencies.
    • Materials must be accessible, using language and imagery easily understood by people with developmental disabilities.
    • For each transportation mode, materials must identify:
      • How to reserve a ride or review schedules (phone number or website).
      • Eligibility requirements to use the mode.
      • Whether family members or caregivers may accompany a person with a developmental disability.
      • Additional information to help users understand and navigate transportation options.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Persons with developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers.
  • State entities: Department of Human Services and any other state agencies that provide services to or interact with individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Transportation providers: Includes NJ Transit’s Access Link paratransit system (explicitly noted in materials).

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective date: First day of the fourth month after enactment.
  • Anticipatory action: DHS Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Developmental Disabilities may begin preparatory actions before the effective date to implement provisions.

Legislative Context

  • Related bills: S 1248 (companion), S 6184 (companions), A 7332 (prior session).
  • Introduced in the 2025 session; reflects ongoing legislative focus on accessibility and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Potential Impact

  • Improves accessibility and consistency of transportation information for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Facilitates easier navigation of transportation options (including paratransit services like Access Link) by patients and families.
  • Creates a standardized, accessible information framework across multiple state agencies, potentially reducing confusion and misinformation.
  • Could involve modest administrative costs related to material production and website updates, offset by clearer guidance and service navigation for users.

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

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