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Vainieri Huttle, Lampitt, Benson Bill to Ensure All Persons with Developmental Disabilities Access to Support, Services Passes Assembly

Bill Would Require State to Make Assistance Information Available in Other Languages

(TRENTON) – The General Assembly on Thursday passed legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Pamela R. Lampitt and Daniel R. Benson to ensure all New Jersey residents have access to documents concerning services and support for persons with developmental disabilities.

“This is quite simply the right thing to do to make sure all New Jersey residents and families have access to these valuable supports and services,” said Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “It’s a simple step that can pay countless dividends down the road by ensuring all persons with developmental disabilities can find the help and support they need.”

The bill (A-3480) requires the Children and Families and Human Services commissioners to make all forms, materials and information on services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities available in English and any other language that is the primary language of at least 10 percent of the residents within an election district in this state.

“This is common sense,” said Lampitt (D-Camden/Burlington). “We want to ensure all persons with developmental disabilities get the services they need, and this is one way to ensure that this information is available to all our residents and families.”

One of our most invaluable attributes as a state is our diversity,” said Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “This measure will help ensure all New Jerseyans can access the support and services they need to improve their quality of life.”

The commissioners also would be required to make this information available on the departments’ websites. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

The measure passed 69-3-2 . The bill will now head to the Senate for further consideration