This bill establishes a civil action for injuries resulting from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying of minors and adults with disabilities. It amends N.J.S.2A:14-2 to allow minors with disabilities under 18 to file actions within 37 years after reaching the age of majority or within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury, whichever is later. For adults with disabilities aged 18 and older, actions must be commenced within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury. The bill also defines bullying and includes it as a basis for investigation by adult protective services, which may report findings to law enforcement.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "vulnerable adult" to include those subjected to bullying, and it mandates that health care professionals and first responders report such incidents. It also expands the list of criminal acts that must be reported to law enforcement by including violations related to endangering another person, particularly when the victim has a developmental disability. The bill aims to enhance protections for vulnerable individuals and ensure that incidents of bullying are taken seriously within the framework of adult protective services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-407, 52:27D-409, 52:27D-419