NJ A2705

Group homes for adults with developmental disabilities receiving Tier C and Beyond services must install video-only electronic monitoring devices in common areas (living areas, dining areas, entrances, outdoor areas) when all residents and their authorized representatives unanimously request and consent to installation.

Recordings must be retained for 90 days, devices must be inspected weekly, and residents or their representatives can access footage upon request; the Department of Human Services must conduct annual on-site device inspections.

Licensees must develop internal monitoring policies within 180 days of division guidelines being published and must forward relevant footage to the division whenever abuse, neglect, or exploitation complaints are received.

Penalties for non-compliance include $5,000 for first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses, plus administrative penalties determined by the division.

Group homes already using electronic monitoring devices before the bill's effective date are exempt from the new consent requirements for existing devices.