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 support this initiative, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services to implement the provisions outlined. The act is designed to take effect immediately and will expire once the appropriated funds have been distributed. This increase in pay is aimed at recognizing the critical role that direct support professionals play in providing essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, thereby helping employers to better hire and retain qualified staff in this vital sector.