State Senator Angela McKnight (D-31) is furthering her recent housing agenda with three bills focused on elevator safety and maintenance legislation.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“When an elevator is out of service or not maintained properly, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a major safety risk for tenants,” she said in a statement.
“Carrying heavy groceries up to higher floors or forcing elderly or disabled residents to navigate flights of stairs puts people in a dangerous predicament.”
Bill S-2834 revises licensing requirements and out-of-state reciprocity for elevator, escalator, and moving walkway mechanic’s licenses.
Further, Bill S-2835 establishes consumer-facing portal for elevator maintenance for owners of certain buildings to provide information on elevator servicer, along with certain signage.
This piece of legislation also requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) to establish senior housing elevator maintenance loan program.
Finally Bill S-4060 mandates satisfaction of licensure requirements for certain elevator inspectors through certification as qualified elevator inspector.
“Current licensing requirements create roadblocks that prevent capable elevator maintenance mechanics from working to the best of their abilities. Removing these obstacles is necessary so that building owners can get their elevators serviced more efficiently,” McKnight added.
“At the same time, residents need the tools necessary to receive assistance if their building’s elevator is not being cared for properly. These bills work together to ease restrictions for servicers and equip residents with the information they need to hold landlords accountable and ensure their elevator is up and running.”
This is the third bill package McKnight has touted in the past two months: The first being to protect tenants and enhance safety standards, with the other aimed at protecting senior tenants, both as HCV first reported.
