Stack Bill to Help the Elderly and Disabled Passes Committee

Trenton – In an effort to assist the elderly and handicapped, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee passed legislation today sponsored by Senator Brian Stack to require residential building owners to provide priority status to residents with limited mobility by allowing them to move to lower floors.

“Many older apartment buildings were not built with senior citizens or people with physical disabilities in mind. The lack of accessibility has made it extremely difficult for them to navigate their buildings,” said Senator Stack (D-Hudson). “This bill would make it easier for residents with limited mobility to live on a lower floor.”

Under the bill, S-2969, when lower level units become available, elderly or physically disabled residents of the building would be offered the unit and given priority over outside applicants or other residents. This bill would only affect buildings consisting of three or more floors.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 5-0.