Legislative and Advocacy Round-up (January 2021)

Legislative and Advocacy Round-Up

January 2021

Upcoming Events

2/6/21: Council for the Head Injured Community (CHIC) Zoom call

3/3/21: Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Fair (Virtual)

3/6/21: CHIC Zoom call

3/8/21: Brain Injury Awareness Day (Virtual)

Brain Injury Awareness Day (Virtual)

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey will be having a Brain Injury Awareness Day designed to educate New Jersey elected officials about the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey and the needs of the brain injury community. The event is to occur on March 8, 2021. If interested in attending, send an email to tgrady@bianj.org with the name of your town and, in the subject line, write "BIAD-NJ."

Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Fair (Virtual)

Congressional Brain Injury Task Force co-chairs Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey and Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska will be holding a Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Fair. If interested in learning more, email tgrady@bianj.org and write "CBITF" in the subject line.

The Task Force works to increase awareness of brain injury in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and strives to address the effects such injuries have on families, children, education, and the workforce.

Do You Have a Brain Injury Issue You Want to Address?

You make your voice heard and/or learn how to. The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey can empower you. Contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs at tgrady@bianj.org for more information.

Bill Improving High School Athlete Concussion Protocol Advances

Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick Diegnan, (left) that would strengthen high school athlete concussion protocols was passed by the Senate Education Committee.

Under the bill, S-225, student-athletes that have sustained a concussion would be prohibited from returning to competition until they have returned to regular school activities and are symptom-free.

"Medical science continues to educate us on the dangers of concussions and the long-term effects they can have on those who do not properly manage their concussions," said Senator Diegnan. "High school athletes are the most at-risk population to sustain a concussion. With an estimated 300,000 high school students sustaining concussions every year, it is our responsibility to ensure the proper safety protocols are in place for schools to effectively manage the health of their student-athletes."

The return of the student-athlete or cheerleader would be required to be in accordance with the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) graduated, six-step "Return to Play Progression" recommendations, which address time frames for participating in: light aerobic activity; moderate activity; heavy, non-contact activity; practice and full contact; and competition.

The bill would require the Department of Education to revise its athletic head injury safety training program to include information on the CDC's graduated, six-step "Return to Play Progression" recommendations, and would also require school districts to revise their written policy concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries.

Learn more about the bill HERE.

Assemblyman Dan Benson

14th Legislative District

Assemblywoman

Yvonne Lopez

19th Legislative District

Bill to Promote Motor Vehicle Safety Among Teen Drivers Passes Committee

Drivers with examination permits and special learner's permits who are under the age of 21 would be required to complete at least 50 hours of practice driving, including ten hours while it's dark, under legislation approved by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

Under the bill (A-1354), a parent, guardian or supervising driver of the permit holder must certify that the 50 hours of practice driving were completed. The measure is sponsored by assemblymembers Daniel Benson and Yvonne Lopez.

Additionally under the bill, instructors may permit additional students or parents of students to be present in the rear seat of the vehicle while a student completes his or her six-hour, behind-the-wheel driving course required to receive a permit. The Motor Vehicle Commission would also update guidelines for driver education courses in schools.

"This bill is about saving lives. By requiring more practice driving for teens, especially at night, we strive to reduce the number of fatal accidents in New Jersey," said Benson.

Before our children take to the road on their own, we must make sure they are educated and prepared, and have practiced extensively," said Lopez.

You may read the bill by clicking HERE.

Resolution to Establish Task Force to Address Special Needs Deficits in Transportation

The Senate Transportation Committee passed legislation by Senator Fred Madden (pictured right) which would establish the "Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force" to study and make recommendations concerning ways to improve transportation services for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The resolution, SJR-17, would require that the established task force consider specific issue areas including but not limited to: transportation obstacles for senior citizens and people with disabilities, improvement in accessible infrastructure and technology and efficient communication of delays and cancellations for public transportation.

"For too long, public transportation has posed obstacles for citizens with disabilities and the elderly. This bill is designed to help address the major issues and ensure accessibility for all New Jerseyans," said Senator Madden. "The task force will proactively work towards providing solutions and allow for better representation of those in the special needs community."

You may read the bill by clicking HERE.

State Senator Fred Madden

4th Legislative District

Council for the Head Injured Community: A Resource for Brain Injury Advocates

The mission of the Council for the Head Injured Community [CHIC] is to champion and publicize the advocacy, rights, and needs of people who have survived a brain injury. We encourage any person impacted by brain injury to become involved in CHIC. The Council is known for its sense of empowerment, social bonding, educational value, and ability to assist people with brain injury. Contact Tom Grady to learn more at tgrady@bianj.org.

Committee Approves Bills to Protect Those with

Developmental Disabilities

Abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities was a major concern for parents who attended the Assembly Human Services Committee hearing on October 22, 2020. After hearing the details of neglect and abuse in some congregate care facilities, Assemblywoman Joann Downey introduced measures approved by the Assembly Human Services Committee to make it easier for legal guardians and family members of people in these facilities to receive detailed information related to investigations.

One bill (A-5247) would ensure that family members and legal guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities have complete access to investigation reports of alleged incidents involving abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The Office of Investigations is to provide a written summary of any allegation to the legal guardians or approved family members within ten days of the reported incident.

You may access the bill by clicking HERE.

Assemblywoman Downey also sponsors legislation that would establish the Advisory Committee on Family Services and Communications in the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services. The measure (A-5248) would establish a nine-person Advisory Committee that would identify any inefficiencies or problems the family members or legal guardians may face, and would serve as the main point of contact in helping families navigate the care system. You may access the bill by clicking HERE.

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-225: Provides that student-athlete who sustains concussion must return to regular school activities prior to return to competition; requires school districts to implement five-step return-to-competition process.

· Senator Shirley Turner

S-265/A-1226: Requires electric public utilities to provide priority power restoration to certain medical facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

· Senator Linda Greenstein

Highlighted Articles

Bipartisan Disability Caucus, Advocates Start Discussion On Needs of People With Disabilities

Senate President Sweeney, Honorable Members of the NJ Legislative Disability Caucus & Advocates from the Disability Community Hold First Meeting of Bipartisan Disability Caucus Focusing on the Impact of COVID-19 on Persons with Disabilities

Question and Answer Session with Mercedes Witowsky, Executive Director, New Jersey Council, on Developmental Disabilities Regarding the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus

The mission of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is to improve the quality of life for anyone impacted by brain injury by providing support, advocacy, and information, while promoting brain injury prevention.

Legislation advanced

The New Jersey State Legislature advanced various legislative proposals. Legislation listed below has advanced through the legislative process. 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 about these bills.

S-265/A-1226: Requires electric public utilities to provide priority power restoration to certain medical facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

A-1354: Establishes certain additional examination and special learner’s permit requirements.

A-4856: Requires Internet websites and web services of school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools to be accessible to persons with disabilities.

A-5247: Entitles legal guardians and certain other persons to receive detailed information and actual records in association with investigations involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of individuals with developmental disabilities.

A-5248: Establishing Advisory Committee on Family Services and Communications in Division of Developmental Disabilities in DHS.

Signed into law

S-1936: Requires DOT Commissioner to advertise availability of certain transportation programs and services.