Tara’s Law Measure Moves to Full Senate for Vote

A law giving extra protections to the nearly 1,200 disabled individuals living in groups homes in New Jersey, moves to the full Senate for a vote.  Bill #S599, sponsored by State Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Jennifer Beck, known as Tara's law, requires case managers to check on individuals living in community care residences monthly. It also requires improved communication with family members and guardians.

The measure's namesake 29-year-old Tara O'Leary lived in a state-licensed foster home in Bloomsberry before she died in 2008. The developmentally disabled woman allegedly suffered neglect at the hands of her caregiver weighing only 43 pounds at the time of her death. Her family worked with legislators in an attempt to regain custody.