Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE CHAPARRO
District 33 (Hudson)
Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblyman RAJ MUKHERJI
District 33 (Hudson)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblywomen Vainieri Huttle, McKnight and B.DeCroce
SYNOPSIS
Requires DOT to implement complete streets policy that considers individuals diagnosed with autism.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the Department of Transportation’s implementation of a complete streets policy 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 shall implement a complete streets policy to plan, design, construct, maintain, and operate 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), to provide safe access for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, individuals with mobility impairments, and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The complete streets policy shall require the consideration and implementation of design elements and infrastructure improvement projects that promote the ability of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to travel independently.
b. The department shall develop universal design concepts that advance the mobility options for individuals with developmental disabilities, including individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, within the complete streets policy established pursuant to subsection a. of this section. The department shall develop guidance and policies for the means by which the universal design concepts shall be incorporated into the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of 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).
c. The department 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 a complete streets policy that complies with the provisions of this section.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (department) to implement a complete streets policy to plan, design, construct, maintain, and operate new and rehabilitated public highways and public transportation projects to provide safe access for all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, individuals with mobility impairments, and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The complete streets policy is to require the consideration and implementation of design elements and infrastructure improvement projects that promote the ability of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to travel independently.
The bill also requires the department, as part of the complete streets policy, to develop universal design concepts that advance the mobility options for individuals with developmental disabilities, including individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The department is to develop guidance and policies for the means by which the universal design concepts are to be incorporated into the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of new and rehabilitated public highways and public transportation projects.
The department is required to encourage regional and local entities that apply for funding through the local aid program to adopt a complete streets policy.