Sponsored by:
Senator PATRICK J. DIEGNAN, JR.
District 18 (Middlesex)
Senator THOMAS H. KEAN, JR.
District 21 (Morris, Somerset and Union)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Pou, Lagana and A.M.Bucco
SYNOPSIS
Requires DOT, NJT, and DHS to study and implement transportation mobility and accessibility improvements for persons with autism and developmental disabilities.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Senate Transportation Committee on June 10, 2021, with amendments.
An Act concerning transportation mobility and accessibility for persons with autism and developmental disabilities and supplementing Title 27 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the New Jersey Transit Corporation and the Department of Human Services1,1 shall conduct a holistic review of current infrastructure design practices for new and rehabilitated public highways and public transportation projects, as those terms are defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1984, c.73 (C.27:1B-3). Upon completion of the review, the 1[department] Department of Transportation1 shall adopt new and revised design practices that implement design elements and result in infrastructure improvement projects that promote the ability of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities to travel independently.
b. The Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the New Jersey Transit Corporation and the Department of Human Services1,1 shall conduct a study of nationwide best practices 1[,]1 that identifies ways to operate public roadway facilities, public transportation services, and any mobility programs operated or funded under the Department of Human Services in a manner that makes transportation services and mobility programs more accessible for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
c. The Department of Transportation shall encourage regional and local entities that apply for funding through the local aid program, pursuant to section 25 of P.L.1984, c.73 (C.27:1B-25), to adopt comparable design policies and best practices that are consistent with the measures adopted at the State level pursuant to subsection a. and subsection b. of this section.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.