Legislative and Advocacy Round-up |
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Assembly Education Committee Advances Concussion Legislation
The Assembly Education Committee on May 12, 2021, approved two bills focused on concussion in youth.
The first measure (A-1599) would require students who sustain head injuries outside of school-sanctioned athletic events to be evaluated by and receive clearance from a licensed healthcare professional before returning to school. Schools would accommodate students who require restrictions or limitations as a result of their injury.
The second bill (A-679) would require school districts to revise their written policies concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student athletes and cheerleaders to include information from the Center for Disease Control's six-step "Return to Play Progression" guidance.
Under the measure, per CDC guidance, students who sustain a concussion or other head injury should not return to competition or practice until they first return to regular school activities and no longer experience symptoms of the injury while in school. The policy must also require that students be evaluated by a physician and receive clearance from their doctor before returning to competition or practice.
The sponsors of both measures, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt and Valerie Vainieri Huttle respectively, released the following joint statement:
"The health and safety of students must always come first. Head injuries are very serious, and it's imperative that we make sure that any student suffering from post-concussion syndrome receives the support they need to safely and methodically return to full classroom learning. It is especially important that student athletes demonstrate full recovery as before they are cleared to return to the playing field."
"Concussions don't only happen on the football or soccer fields," said Assemblyman John DiMaio, a cosponsor of A-1599."Head injuries should be taken very seriously regardless of whether they occurred from a slip in a stairwell or a tackle on the field. Returning to academic or physical activity too soon can worsen its effects, especially for adolescents. They need to fully recover before returning to a normal daily routine."
Both bills are pending further consideration by the General Assembly.
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Resolution Encourages New Jersey Delegation to Join Congressional Brain Injury Task Force |
Senator Anthony M. Bucco introduced Senate Resolution No.126 on May 11, 2021. This resolution urges New Jersey members of Congress to join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force.
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn introduced an identical resolution, Assembly Resolution No. 256, shortly thereafter on May 18.
“There are residents from every congressional district in New Jersey living with long-term disabilities as a result of traumatic or acquired brain injuries,” said Senator Bucco. “This resolution will urge members of the United States Congress from New Jersey to join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force so that constituents with brain injuries are effectively represented and served in Washington. This will not only raise awareness of brain injuries in our State, but also empower our representatives to support legislation that will improve the lives of these individuals.”
“Individuals who have survived a traumatic brain injury may develop minor to severe disabilities," Assemblywoman Dunn stated. “The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force is dedicated to growing awareness of these disabilities from brain injuries and educating not only the public, but lawmakers across the country on how they can assist. A common experience among people with TBI is feeling alone. As we recover from the social isolation imposed by the COVID19 pandemic, it’s imperative we respond. The task force is bipartisan and leading by example.”
“I formed the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in 2001 to finally shed public attention on a silent illness that impacts countless Americans and their families," said Congressman Bill Pascrell, founder of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. "For the last 20 years we have succeeded. Through our efforts, we have not only shepherded enormous resources to gaining a better understanding of TBI, but also helped shed crucial light on TBI in the halls of Washington. I am delighted that New Jersey legislators are following our work. This announcement is fantastic news for the brain injury sufferers and their families in the Garden State who deserve greater support and understanding. Once again, New Jersey is ahead of the curve.”
The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force raises awareness of brain injuries in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and addresses the effects such injuries have on families, children, education, and the workforce. The Task Force is currently co-chaired by Congressman Pascrell, a Democrat, and Congressman Don Bacon, a Republican from the State of Nebraska.
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Assemblywoman
Britnee Timberlake
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Measure Designating May as "Stroke Awareness Month" Advances |
Recognizing that about 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, a measure sponsored by Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (pictured left) to designate May as Stroke Awareness Month annually in New Jersey unanimously passed the full Assembly.
The goal of the month is to raise awareness for the risk factors and warning signs of strokes. About 800,000 Americans have strokes each year, resulting in about 140,000 deaths. A stroke disrupts the flow of blood to the brain and can lead to serious disabilities such as paralysis, problems with cognitive skills, and speech impairment.
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Senate Committee Advances Bills Aimed to Improve Transportation Services
A Senate committee approved two bills authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney that would help improve transportation services for the disabled.
One bill, S-1934, would have the Department of Human Services authorize any recipient of disability benefits, including Social Security, to use those resources to pay for services offered by a transportation network company that uses a digital network to provide prearranged rides. These companies would include Uber and Lyft.
"Transportation services are critical needs for those with disabilities," said Senator Sweeney. "They are needed to live their day-to-day lives. This will allow them to make use of modern day services such as Uber and Lyft so they can get to where they need to safely and conveniently."
The bill would also require the Department of Human Services to work with the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a public awareness campaign to inform the recipients of disability benefits of the transportation options under the bill.
The companion measure, S-1935, would require the Department of Human Services to utilize the services of a Transportation Planning Coordinator to manage and oversee the transportation services provided to the department's clients. The coordinator would have the training and experience to coordinate the services that are so important to the disabled.
"We need to make sure that all the transportation services provided to those with disabilities are operating effectively and efficiently," said Senator Sweeney. "The department's clients rely on these services. They should be coordinated, they should be safe and they should be reliable. That will be the coordinator's responsibility."
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Legislation that advanced
Legislation listed below has advanced in the New Jersey State Legislature. Please contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs if you would like more information about these bills at tgrady@bianj.org and/or whether you would like to contact your elected representatives to express your views on these bills.
S-225/A-679: Provides that student-athlete who sustains concussion must return to regular school activities prior to return to competition; requires school districts to implement six-step return-to-competition process. Pending General Assembly
S-1934: Authorizes use of disability benefits for transportation provided by transportation network companies. Pending Senate
S-1935: Requires DHS to employ Transportation Planning Coordinator to manage and oversee transportation services provided to DHS clients. Pending Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
S-1963: Establishes certain additional examination and special learner’s permit requirements. Pending Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
S-2893/A-4139: Requires copies of medical and billing records be provided without charge to Social Security Disability benefits applicants and recipients; requires records be delivered in manner specified by requestor. Pending Senate
S-3434: Requires boards of education to provide special education and related services to certain students exceeding age of eligibility for special education and related services. Passed General Assembly
SR-126/AR-256: Urges New Jersey members of Congress to join Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. Pending Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and Assembly Health Committee respectively
A-209: Establishes Disparity in Treatment of Persons with Disabilities in Underrepresented Communities Commission in DCA. Passed Assembly
A-1599: Requires public school students with concussion to be evaluated by licensed health care professionals before return to school; requires school districts to provide restrictions or limitations to student as needed. Pending General Assembly
A-3266: Requires Medicaid managed care organizations to notify certain beneficiaries of maximum coverage for personal care service hours. Pending General Assembly
A-4856: Requires Internet websites and web services of school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Passed General Assembly
A-5262: Revises eligibility requirements for NJ Workability Program and Personal Assistance Services Program. Pending Assembly Appropriations Committee
A-5676: Permits exemption from certain civil service examinations for person with disability. Pending Assembly State and Local Government Committee
AJR-54: Designates May of each year as “Stroke Awareness Month.” Passed General Assembly
AR-245: Urges Congress to amend Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to expand eligibility for funding to students with special needs who are 22 years of age. Pending Assembly Education Committee
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Thank you to elected officials for supporting Alliance-backed legislation
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey supports a broad range of legislation that relates to brain injury. We appreciate those members of the State Legislature who support bills by registering as a cosponsor of or introducing legislation. We would like to publicly thank the following member(s) for sponsoring the following bills:
S-1963: Establishes certain additional examination and special learner’s permit requirements.
o Senator Patrick Diegnan
S-2581: Requires police training for interactions with persons who may have behavioral health issues.
o Senator Vin Gopal
A-209: Establishes Disparity in Treatment of Persons with Disabilities in Underrepresented Communities Commission in DCA.
o Assemblymembers Angelica Jimenez, Pedro Mejia, Mila Jasey
A-1354: Establishes certain additional examination and special learner’s permit requirements.
o Assemblyman Tom Giblin
A-2441: Requires DHS to employ Transportation Planning Coordinator to manage and oversee transportation services provided to DHS clients.
o Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle
AJR-54: Designates May of each year as “Stroke Awareness Month.”
o Assemblymembers Dan Benson, Joe Danielsen, Angelica Jimenez, Valerie Vainieri-Huttle, Carol Murphy, Angela McKnight, Shanique Speight
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COVID-19 Update from the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
Just in time for the unofficial start of summer, New Jerseyans no longer need to wear masks inside stores, restaurants and other entertainment venues, and the 6-foot social distancing requirements have ended. There are some exceptions that are important to remember. The CDC STRONGLY recommends that people who have not been vaccinated continue to wear masks and social distance. Individual businesses can still require masks. Face coverings are still required in state offices, public transit, health care settings, homeless shelters, prisons, and other situations.
It is a good idea to develop a plan for your own use of masks. Always carry a mask with you in case a store or business you are visiting requires one. Consider your own comfort level about wearing or not wearing a mask. Never feel pressured into removing your mask if you prefer to wear it. Only you can judge how to best protect yourself, family and friends from COVID-19. For more information about New Jersey’s reopening, visit BIANJ’s COVID-19 page (https://bianj.org/covid-19/).
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Voice Your Concerns!
Do you have a brain injury-related concerns? Have an idea to address important issues impacting the brain injury community? Want to contribute in a meaningful way to the brain injury cause? Learn how by contacting Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs at tgrady@bianj.org.
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Brain Injury Alliance of
New Jersey
www.bianj.org
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