This bill aims to increase the pay for direct support professionals in New Jersey by establishing a funding program through the Department of Human Services. The program will distribute funds to employers of direct support professionals to help address staffing challenges in the state, as determined by the Commissioner of Human Services. The allocated funds are intended to be used by employers to raise the salaries of both existing and new direct support professionals. Additionally, the Commissioner will create an application process, guidelines, and compliance standards for the funding program.

To facilitate this initiative, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services. The act is designed to take effect immediately and will expire once the funds have been distributed. This legislative effort recognizes the essential role that direct support professionals play in providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and aims to improve their compensation to help retain and attract qualified staff in this critical field.