Legislative and Advocacy Round-up for January 2022

Legislative and Advocacy Round-up

January 2022

Upcoming Events

2/5/22: Virtual Meeting
3/5/22: Virtual Meeting
4/2/22: Virtual Meeting
5/7/22: Virtual Meeting
6/4/22: Virtual Meeting

Brain Injury Resource Center

Whether you have a brain injury or concussion, are a caregiver or a professional, BIANJ has resources available for you. If you’re in need of further assistance, please contact the Helpline at 1-800-669-4323, or info@bianj.org.

Visit the Resource Library

Brain Injury Support Groups

Brain injury support groups allow people with brain injuries and their family members to meet others in similar situations. They gain valuable emotional support, form friendships, obtain information, and discuss a variety of brain injury topics.

Find a Support Group

CARES Program

The BIANJ CARES (Care, Assistance, Resources, Education and Support) Program supports individuals and families impacted by brain injury through care management. This program focuses on assessing current needs and developing a plan to help individuals achieve greatest potential and improve quality of life.

More about CARES

You're Invited to Join BIANJ's Advocacy Committee

The Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community (formerly known as the Council for the Head Injury Community) champions and publicizes the advocacy, rights, and needs of people who have sustained a brain injury, and their families.

Make your voice heard

Governor Murphy Sworn in for Second Term, New Legislative Session Starts

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was sworn in for his second term as New Jersey’s governor and a new legislative session began during January 2022.

Before the start of the new legislative session, Governor Murphy approved several bills that pertain to the disability community. Below, you will find a brief summary of these bills.

As the new legislation starts, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey encourages you to connect with your elected officials. Perhaps you have a concern as a person impacted by brain injury that you need addressed? Perhaps you have an idea for public policy that can benefit people with brain injury and/or the broader disability community? Perhaps you are interested in supporting the Alliance’s effort in building relationships with members of the Legislature, both newly sworn-in and those who are veterans?

In an effort to build relationships with all members of the State Legislature, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey plans to hold a virtual brain injury awareness day during March 2022. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of brain injury and how the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey can serve those impacted by brain injury.

If you are interested in participating in this event, learning how to connect with your elected officials, and/or reading the aforementioned new laws, contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs at tgrady@bianj.org or 732-745-0200 ext. 233.

Ask for advocacy coaching HERE.

GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNS BILLS TO ENHANCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND TRAINING ASSISTANCE, OTHER SUPPORTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Governor Murphy signed a series of bills to enhance employment opportunities, training, and other supports for individuals with disabilities.

"All New Jerseyans deserve equal access to community supports and opportunities," said Governor Murphy. "Prioritizing the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace is a critical step forward in ensuring that our state is stronger and fairer for everyone. These essential measures recognize the significant contributions that disabled individuals provide to our economy, will expand access to training and new employment opportunities, and positively impact the lives of many of our residents."

Governor Murphy signed the following bills into law:

S-386: Establishes mandatory domestic violence training for municipal prosecutors.

S-1559: “New Jersey Insurance Fair Conduct Act.”

S-3455: Revises eligibility requirements for NJ Workability Program and Personal Assistance Services Program.

A-4139: Establishes requirements for copies of medical and billing records to be provided without charge to Social Security Disability benefits applicants and recipients.

S-4210: Requires EDA to establish loan program to assist certain businesses with funding to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

S-4211: Establishes county college-based adult centers for transition for individuals with developmental disabilities; makes annual appropriation of $4.5 million.

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

A-5294: Provides fast track hiring and advancement employment opportunities by State for persons with significant disabilities.

A-5296: Provides for employment by State of certain persons with disabilities.

A-5341: Updates 2-1-1 telephone system information to include all current modes of public transit and information on access and usage.

A-6207: Eliminates requirement for DOE to set certain tuition rates for approved private schools for students with disabilities in certain cases.

Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey www.bianj.org