ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5340

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 15, 2021

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5340.

      As amended and reported, this bill establishes the Office of Statewide Mobility Manager to provide assistance with transportation services and trip-planning guidance for persons with autism spectrum disorder and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their guardians, families, caregivers, and service providers.  The bill specifically tasks the office with:

     (1)   being informed on and knowledgeable of the laws and practices concerning public transportation, private transportation, and the Americans with Disabilities Act;

     (2)   identifying and helping secure feasible transportation alternatives for persons with disabilities and their guardians, families, caregivers, and service providers;

     (3)   providing uniform information on transportation services and trip-planning guidance for all New Jersey residents regardless of location;

     (4)   assisting the State and counties with coordination strategies, including but not limited to linking regions and connecting people with existing transit services; and

     (5)   taking any other action to fulfill the purposes of the office.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to expand the purposes of the Office of Statewide Mobility Manager from assisting only adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to assisting persons of all ages with autism spectrum disorder and with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The amendments change the synopsis of the bill to reflect this change.