SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3442

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 10, 2021

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3442.

      As amended and reported, this bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT), and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to conduct a holistic review of current infrastructure design practices for public highways and public transportation projects.  Upon completion of the review, new and revised design practices are to be adopted that will result in projects that promote the ability of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities to travel independently.

     DOT, NJT, and DHS are also to conduct a study of nationwide best practices that identifies ways to operate public roadway facilities, public transportation services, and mobility programs operated or funded under the DHS in a manner that makes transportation services and mobility programs more accessible for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities

     The DOT is required to encourage regional and local entities that apply for funding through the local aid program to adopt infrastructure design practices and best practices that are consistent with State practices.

      The committee amended the bill to make technical corrections by inserting two commas and removing a comma from the text of the bill, as well as to clarify a reference to the Department of Transportation in the bill.  The committee amendments also change the synopsis to indicate that the Department of Human Services is required to study and implement transportation mobility and accessibility improvements for persons with autism and developmental disabilities.