Permits local health boards to require minimum temperature of 70 degrees from October through April in certain buildings occupied by seniors and disabled persons.
This bill (S 1096) requires local health boards in New Jersey to mandate a minimum indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit from October through April in specific buildings housing seniors (62+ years) and disabled individuals. It directly affects "housing for older persons" (per federal Fair Housing Act) and community residences for developmentally disabled, mentally ill, or head-injured persons - excluding nursing facilities already meeting federal temperature standards. The key provision amends existing law to raise the required temperature from 68°F to 70°F during cold months, applying when building owners agree to supply heat. This policy change focuses on setting a concrete thermal standard to protect vulnerable residents during winter.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Nilsa Cruz-Perez
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 1096
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand S 1096. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline