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A 1606

Transfers administration of programs for certain individuals with developmental disabilities from DHS to DCF.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Katz

Transfers eligibility determination and services for 21–29-year-olds with developmental disabilities from DHS/DDD to CSOC/DCF, with licensing moved to CSOC.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
#develdisab #statedepts
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Bill Summary · A 1606

Summary of Assembly Bill A-1606

Overview

  • Bill Number: A-1606
  • Short Title: Transfers administration of programs for certain individuals with developmental disabilities from DHS to DCF
  • Sponsor: Deborah Glick (primary)
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly on January 10, 2025; referred to Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security
  • Related: Companion bill S-673; prior-session A-5497
  • Purpose: Move the administration of services for certain young adults with developmental disabilities from the Department of Human Services (DDS/DDD) to the Department of Children and Families (CSOC)

What the bill would do

  • Transfer responsibility for eligibility determination and provision of services for individuals with developmental disabilities aged 21–29 from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Division of Children’s System of Care (CSOC) in the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
  • CSOC would determine eligibility and provide services deemed clinically and functionally appropriate, subject to service availability and appropriations, for persons under 30.
  • CSOC would assume licensing, inspection, and standard-setting for facilities serving persons under 30.
  • DDD would cease providing services to those under 30 as of the date CSOC begins determining eligibility and providing services for these individuals, with two exceptions:
    • Adults over 18 in the Moderate Security Unit (established by P.L.2006, c.5) would remain under DDD oversight.
    • DDD may continue to provide services to individuals under 30 who were determined eligible for such services prior to the effective date of this bill, if agreed to by DCF and DHS.
  • DDD would retain all responsibility and authority over the operation of State developmental centers (per RS 30:1-7).

Key provisions and mechanics

  • Inter-agency coordination: Requires an inter-agency agreement between DHS and DCF to implement the transfer.
  • Rulemaking: Commissioners of DHS and DCF (or their designees) would adopt regulations necessary to effectuate the transfer, using the Administrative Procedure Act, with initial rules effective for up to 12 months after enactment, then subject to ongoing modification.
  • Eligibility and transition procedures: DDD may establish procedures for transitioning individuals from CSOC to DDD adult services, including potential redetermination of eligibility. There shall be no presumption of eligibility for adult services under DDD.
  • References to current law: Amends P.L.2012, c.16 (C.30:4C-4.4) and aligns with existing definitions of developmental disabilities (C.30:6D-3) and related program structures.

Affected populations and entities

  • Primary beneficiaries: Individuals aged 21–29 with developmental disabilities who are currently served under DDD or CSOC’s purview.
  • Administrative/operational impact: DHS (DDD) and DCF (CSOC) and their staff; licensing and regulatory functions for facilities serving the under-30 population; state developmental centers (under DDD) remain under DHS stewardship.
  • Facilities: Licensing/inspection/standards for facilities serving under-30 individuals would shift to CSOC.

Timeline and implementation

  • Effective date: The act would take effect on the first day of the thirteenth month after enactment.
  • Interim actions: DHS and DCF may take administrative steps in advance to implement the transfer.
  • Transition period: Regulatory and inter-agency processes would be used to operationalize the shift, including potential redetermination of eligibility for some individuals.

Potential implications

  • Service eligibility and access could be affected by new agency rules and funding constraints (subject to service availability and appropriations).
  • The transfer aims to create a unified system of care for young adults up to age 29, potentially aligning eligibility criteria and service planning across agencies.
  • No automatic eligibility presumption for adult DDD services; transition requires explicit action and agreement between agencies.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to the current law (P.L.2012, c.16) and outline the exact statutory changes side-by-side.

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

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