New Jersey would reserve technology settlement money for youth programs

New Jersey would create a separate fund for youth mental health and development. The fund would support school-age children, youth, and young adults. Settlement terms would control if they conflict with the bill's spending rules. Money could not move to the State's general budget or other accounts unless this act allows it.

An independent authority would manage the fund and publish yearly spending reports. An existing State department would manage the fund before the threshold is met. The threshold would count money received and amounts the State is entitled to receive under signed settlement agreements. Control would transfer within 90 days of the Governor's written certification. Public spending reports would be due each July 1.

The authority could not use fund money to replace existing funding. The payment ban would cover behavioral health services that public medical assistance programs or commercial health plans must cover and pay for. Money also could not pay for lawsuits, lobbying, or other State agencies' general operations.