This bill mandates the establishment of a permanent unit within the State Office of Emergency Management to specifically address the needs of residents with access and functional needs during disasters and emergencies. The unit's responsibilities will include assessing the needs of these residents before, during, and after emergencies, evaluating the availability of resources, and ensuring that residents can access the necessary assistance. Additionally, the unit will coordinate with local and county emergency management offices to develop and implement best practices for supporting these vulnerable populations.

The unit will be staffed by one full-time supervisor and three full-time planners, focusing on the needs of residents across New Jersey's northern, central, and southern regions. The bill defines residents with access and functional needs to include individuals with disabilities, older adults, those with limited English proficiency, and individuals facing transportation or financial barriers that hinder their ability to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters or emergencies. The act is set to take effect four months after its enactment, allowing the Office of Emergency Management to prepare for its implementation.