Public Policy

Information on the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver Renewal Application & the Statewide Transition Plan Addendum

FY17 Budget Information

Improving the System:

The Arc of New Jersey engages in ongoing advocacy and oversight on issues related to transparency, communication and regulations within the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Our program directors sit on a variety of committees, task forces and coalitions working on issues such as prevention, early intervention, special education, family support, employment, and healthcare. The Arc of New Jersey's legislative activities include monitoring and responding to all state legislation and budget issues that will impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and provider agencies. In addition, we also weigh in with New Jersey's congressional delegation on national issues. Below you will find information on legislation currently pending at the State House and in Washington, DC.

Pictured here: The Arc of New Jersey advocates at the State House in Trenton alongside Self-Advocates and Direct Support Professionals.

I/DD related legislation signed in FY17:

S496/A2566

Establishes Response to Intervention initiative in DOE to support and encourage school districts in implementation of Response to Intervention framework.

I/DD related legislation signed in FY16:

S475/A3223 Requires certain information regarding Down syndrome be provided to certain parents and families.	S2668/A4270 Establishes "MVP Emergency Alert System" for missing persons with mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.	S2770/A3956 Authorizes establishment of Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts for persons with certain disabilities.	S2940/A4531 Creates new criminal offenses concerning endangering another person; repeals N.J.S.2C:12-2 and N.J.S.2C:24-7.	S3117/S4781 Prohibits Division of Developmental Disabilities from compelling transfers of individuals with developmental disabilities from out-of-State to in-State facilities unless certain exceptions apply.
A1098/S671 Requires DHS and DMVA to conduct or contract for follow-up studies of former residents transitioning to community from their facilities.	S451/A1103 Establishes Office of Special Education Ombudsman in Department of Education.	A4420/S3056 Requires certain notifications for termination of services to persons with developmental disabilities and providers.	A1029/S274 Requires training program for school bus drivers and school bus aides on interacting with students with special needs, and requires development and use of student information cards.

I/DD related legislation signed by the Governor in FY15:

S900/A3632 Requires the Commissioner of Health to review impact of disabilities on persons in minority and underrepresented communities.	S2601/A3690 Previous law allowed a student with a disability, including autism, to have a service animal in school buildings and on school grounds. This bill expands the law to permit a student with a disability to bring a service animal on a school bus.	S2065/A2717 Requires a one-time application for requesting services for individuals with developmental disabilities from DCF and DHS.

Ongoing Legislative Priorities:

The Arc of New Jersey's Board President Robert Hage, left, and Executive Director Tom Baffuto, right, testify during a committee meeting at the State House in Trenton.

State Legislation:

A1541 Provides employers with various tax incentives for hiring persons with disabilities under insurance premiums tax, corporation business tax and gross income tax.	S247 Requires Rutgers University to create a liberal studies program for students with intellectual disabilities; appropriates $500,000.	A1463 Establishes New Jersey Caregiver Task Force to evaluate and provide recommendations on caregiver support services.

Federal Legislation:

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.	The Keeping All Students Safe Act This piece of legislation will prohibit the use of physical restraint unless a student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of physical harm to self or others, while ensuring that personnel receive proper training, that parents are aware of any restraint used with their children, and that the most dangerous types of restraint and seclusion are eliminated.