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Bill

A 400

Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to reopen programs providing functional services to persons with developmental disabilities in same manner as schools.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vicky Flynn and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill requires disability services division to reopen and operate programs on public school calendar schedules, potentially eliminating year-round services.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
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Bill Summary · A 400

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 400 mandates that New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) reopen and operate functional services programs for individuals with developmental disabilities using the same operational framework and schedule as public schools. This would align service availability with the school calendar, potentially affecting year-round programming models currently in place.

Why is this important

Developmental disabilities services are essential support systems for vulnerable populations and their families. Changes to program hours and operational models directly impact caregivers' ability to work and access respite care, while also affecting continuity of services that individuals with developmental disabilities depend on. This bill signals a potential shift in how the state structures long-term disability support.

Potential points of contention

  • Year-round service disruption: Schools close for summers and holidays; shifting DDD programs to match school calendars could eliminate critical services during extended breaks, potentially forcing families to seek costly private alternatives or reduce work hours
  • Fiscal implications: Reopening previously closed programs carries significant costs; the bill provides no funding mechanism and doesn't specify which programs should reopen or how closure decisions will be reversed
  • One-size-fits-all approach: Developmental disabilities services differ fundamentally from education; using school schedules may not align with actual therapeutic and support needs, which often require year-round consistency

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

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