Sponsors: Assemblymen Michael J. Arnone (R12) and Wilfredo Caraballo (D29)

Sponsor: Senator Leonard T. Connors, Jr. (R9)

Summary: Provides State aid to municipalities for certain tax-exempt group homes

Comments: This legislation proposes to require the State to compensate municipalities for property taxes not collected on tax-exempt group homes. The bill defines eligible group homes as including community shelters for victims of domestic violence and community residences established for people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, head injuries, or terminal illnesses. Any payments in lieu of taxes that the municipality receives from owner of the tax-exempt property would be deducted from the State’s annual payment to the municipality. (Owners of tax-exempt property generally make such payments in lieu of taxes to municipalities to defray the costs of municipal services pursuant to an agreement for tax exemption negotiated between the property owner and the municipality. Such arrangements are often called "PILOT" agreements.)

Last Session: During the prior session of the Legislature (2000-2001), the Assembly passed a nearly identical bill, a committee substitute for A1154, which was sent to the Senate. A similar bill, A1084, was combined with A1154. The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee then reported the legislation favorably for a second reading, after which action the bill was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 15, 2000. No further action was taken on the bill and it lapsed with the end of the legislative Session in December 2001. Three similar companion bills were also introduced in the Senate during the 2000-2001 legislative session. Differences between the various measures pending before both houses were minimal. The current version of the bills has the most expansive definition of covered residential facilities, which was one of the provisions that varied between the bills introduced last session.

Current Status: Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee

Legislative Activity: 1/8/02I Introduced and referred to Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee

Last Session: A1154, A1084 (see details above)

Current Status: Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

Legislative Activity:
2/11/02 Introduced and referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

5/8/03 Reported out of committee with committee amendments, 2^nd reading in Senate; Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

Last Session: S703, S963, S2351 (see details above)

Sponsors: Assemblymen Francis J. Blee (R2) and Paul R. D'Amato (R2)

Sponsors: Senators William L. Gormley (R2) and John H. Adler (D6)

Summary: Authorizes counties to establish county offices for the disabled and makes an appropriation.

Comments: The bill contains the Legislature's declaration that "citizens with disabilities have an equal right to full participation, independent living, economic self-sufficiency and opportunity." The bill also recognizes that the isolation and segregation of people with disabilities results in "serious and pervasive social problems" for individuals with disabilities, and for their families and communities. The bill provides statutory authority for any county in the State to establish a county office for people with disabilities. Each county office would maintain a central source of information on programs and services for people with disabilities as well as rights and needs of people with disabilities and their families. The county offices would also act to "stimulate" the expansion and coordination of programs and services and improve the access of individuals and families to such services and programs. Finally, the bill makes an appropriation of up to $420,000 for distribution to county offices for one half of their expenses up to $20,000.

Action Taken: On January 18, 2001, during the prior legislative session (2000-01), the Developmental Disabilities Council testified in support of the bill before the Assembly Senior Issues and Community Services Committee. Other organizations that testified in support of the bill included ABCD, Camden and Union County Offices for Disabled, EPVA and Association of County Offices. No individual or organization testified in opposition to the bill.

Current Status: Assembly Health and Human Services Committee

Legislative Activity: 1/8/02 Introduced and referred to Assembly Health and Human Services Committee

Last Session: A1458 Passed Assembly, Reported Favorably by Senate Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

Current Status: Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

Legislative Activity: 1/8/02 Introduced and referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee