SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3439

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  NOVEMBER 8, 2021

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3439.

      As amended and reported, 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 persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The complete streets policy is to require the consideration and implementation of design elements and infrastructure improvement projects that promote the ability of persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities 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 persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 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 consistent with the bill.

      The committee amended the bill to expand the provisions of the bill so that complete streets policies consider access and use of transportation facilities by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in addition to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

      As amended and reported, Senate Bill No. 3439 is identical to Assembly Bill No. A5337(1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.