The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to encourage activities by voluntary associations and private citizens which will supplement and augment those services provided by local, State, and federal government agencies in discharge of their responsibilities toward individuals with severe chronic disabilities. The Legislature further finds that, as a result of changing social, economic, and demographic trends, families of persons with severe chronic disabilities are increasingly aware of the need for a vehicle by which they can assure ongoing individualized personal concern for a severely disabled family member who may survive his parents or other family members, and provide for the efficient management of small legacies or trust funds to be used for the benefit of such a disabled person. In a number of other states voluntary associations have established foundations or trusts intended to be responsive to these concerns. Therefore, a study of the experience in other states suggests that New Jersey would benefit by the enactment of enabling legislation expressly authorizing the formation of community trusts in accordance with criteria set forth by statute and administered by the Secretary of State. These community trusts permit the pooling of resources contributed by families or persons with philanthropic intent, along with the reservation of portions of these funds for the use and benefit of designated beneficiaries.

L. 1985, c. 424, s. 2.