NJ A4316

Emergency homeless shelters cannot refuse admission based on a perception that a person has mental illness, is drug or alcohol dependent, is not compliant with prescription medications, or has consumed alcohol off-premises

Refusal is only permitted when there is a reasonable basis to believe the person poses a danger to self, others, or property, or when authorized by other law or regulation

Shelters retain authority to prohibit possession or consumption of controlled dangerous substances and alcoholic beverages on their premises

Amends existing law (P.L.2013, c.203) which previously only protected those perceived to have mental illness, expanding protections to other vulnerable populations