TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew to exempt disabled veterans, or their caretakers, from having to pay fees for the construction or improvement of structures to promote accessibility to their homes was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“Soldiers returning from war with lost limbs, brain injuries and other conditions that limit their mobility have already paid an enormous price to our country. Asking them to pay a fee for the construction of a ramp or other accommodation they need so they can gain access to their home is outright offensive,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “This kind of project should be exempt from fees – no questions asked.”
Municipalities currently have the option of exempting all disabled persons from the fees by ordinance. The bill (S-932) would make it a requirement that a municipality exempt 100% disabled veterans, or their caretakers, from the payment of any construction permit surcharge fee or enforcing agency fee for any construction, reconstruction, alteration, or improvement designed and undertaken solely to promote accessibility by the disabled veteran to his own living unit.
Under the bill, a municipality would be entitled to reimbursement for the exempt fees upon application to the Department of Community Affairs.
The bill cleared the committee by a vote of 13-0. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
