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A 5435

Supplemental appropriation of $35 million from General Fund to DHS to support Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers within 9-8-8 Continuum of Care.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy

Allocates $35 million from the General Fund to DHS to expand Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers within the 9-8-8 framework for immediate crisis stabilization and linkage to

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Bill Summary · A 5435

Summary of Bill A-5435 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $35 million from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services (DHS) to support Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers within the 9-8-8 Continuum of Care. The core aim is to strengthen crisis response infrastructure by funding facilities and services that help divert individuals in crisis from emergency departments or jail settings into appropriate stabilization resources, aligned with the nationwide 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline framework.

Key provisions and changes

  • Funding allocation: Appropriates an additional $35,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services.
  • Target program: Designated for Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers operating within the 9-8-8 Continuum of Care. These centers are intended to provide immediate crisis stabilization, short-term assessment, and connections to longer-term treatment or community-based supports.
  • Purpose of use: Likely to cover operating costs, staffing, facilities, and related services necessary to expand capacity and improve access for individuals in mental health or behavioral health crises.
  • Alignment with 9-8-8 framework: Supports the integration of crisis response services that funnel individuals to appropriate care resources rather than traditional emergency medicine or law enforcement pathways when appropriate.

Affected entities and beneficiaries

  • State agency: Department of Human Services (DHS) receives the appropriation and administers the program funds.
  • Service providers: Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Centers, including existing centers and any new facilities or expansions that operate within the 9-8-8 Continuum of Care across New Jersey.
  • Individuals in crisis: Residents requiring mental health or behavioral health crisis intervention who would benefit from immediate stabilization and linkage to follow-up services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Source of funds: General Fund appropriation. The bill specifies a one-time or ongoing supplemental allocation of $35 million, subject to the usual appropriation and auditing processes.
  • Implementation timeline: The bill does not specify exact dates within the text provided; typically, such supplemental appropriations are allocated for the upcoming state fiscal year or a defined program year, with DHS required to administer a spending plan and report on outcomes.
  • Oversight and reporting (implied): As a DHS program funding item, it would be expected to include quarterly or annual reporting on expenditures, capacity changes, and crisis outcomes, consistent with state fiscal and programmatic accountability practices.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Capacity and access: Increased funding could expand the number of patients served at crisis centers, reduce wait times, and improve the ability to divert crisis calls from emergency departments.
  • Cost and sustainability: Since the funding is a supplemental General Fund appropriation, ongoing needs would require future budget considerations or replacement funding to maintain expanded services beyond the current appropriation period.
  • Coordination within 9-8-8 ecosystem: Enhanced funding may bolster coordination among first responders, crisis hotlines, community-based providers, and hospitals, promoting more efficient triage and follow-up care.
  • Equity and reach: If deployed thoughtfully, funds could expand services to underserved or high-need communities, improving equitable access to crisis stabilization resources.

If you would like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific subgroups (e.g., urban vs. rural impacts), or add a brief comparison to existing 9-8-8-related programs in New Jersey.

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

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