March 2024

REMINDER: CALL TO ACTION!

Advocates Needed to Pass Reauthorization of the TBI Act!

UPDATE: The Subcommittee on Health, a part of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, passed this bill. Advocates are still needed to help advance this bill.

This year, Congress will be considering legislation which would reauthorize the federal Traumatic Brain Injury Act. The bipartisan bill, H.R. 7208, is sponsored by the two chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force; Congressman Bill Pascrell (pictured right) from New Jersey and Congressman Don Bacon from Nebraska. The Act provides much-needed funding to improve rehabilitation and community support for people with brain injury, but it is set to expire in 2024. 

The legislation will:

• Increase the authorization level for the TBI State Partnership Program from $7.3 million to $19 million for fiscal years 2025 to 2029;
• Federally designate brain injury as a chronic condition;
• Prioritize clarifying service eligibility for the TBI Act to make distinctions between external force injuries and internal force injuries;
• Continue to authorize the CDC TBI Programs and National Concussion Surveillance System; and,
• Include the Administration for Community Living Protection and Advocacy Program in any amended TBI Act.

To learn more about this important legislation and how you can help, contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs at tgrady@bianj.org.

Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee Advances Bill Establishing Resume Bank for People with Disabilities

Legislation that would establish a resume bank for persons with disabilities interested in state-appointed positions advanced out of the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee. Bill A2445, sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (pictured left), would provide individuals with disabilities a significant resource in searching for available jobs, while simultaneously allowing the state to tap into a largely underrepresented segment of the population, adding diverse perspectives to the New Jersey state government.

Currently, the state of New Jersey utilizes an online portal, showcasing open positions within the executive and legislative branches and providing the public with the ability to apply. However, this online portal does not provide government officials the ability to collect resumes of qualified candidates with disabilities, particularly those of diverse backgrounds. A2445 aims to ensure that employees of the government are representative of the public they serve.

"Creating a dedicated resume bank allows barriers to be broken down and provides individuals with disabilities equal access to opportunities within the state government," said Assemblywoman Quijano. "The advancement of bill A2445 marks a crucial step towards inclusivity, ensuring all voices in New Jersey may be heard."

The bill outlines specific criteria for the contents of the resume bank, ensuring it contains key information about the candidates with disabilities, including: a copy of the individuals resume, accompanied with their name, address, and telephone number. Additionally, the individuals would include any pertinent information related to their disability, as well as information that may be relevant to their appointment to the various positions within the state, such as interests and goals.

Senate Law and Public Safety Committee Passes Bill Protecting Seniors and People with Disabilities From Scammers

Senator Declan O'Scanlon's legislation that would protect vulnerable senior citizens and people with disabilities from theft scams passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

"Seniors have always been prime targets for criminals who prey on their trusting nature and easy demeanor," said O'Scanlon (pictured right). "As technology has developed, it has become easier to find victims and raid their life savings. This can be devastating for people living on fixed incomes."

O'Scanlon's bill, S1649, would make the fiscal victimization of a senior or disabled person a crime. Under the measure, a person would be guilty of fiscal victimization for committing, attempting to commit, or conspiring with others to commit theft against a senior citizen or a person with a disability.

"These crimes are becoming more common, and they often go unreported because the victims feel embarrassed or don't know where to turn," O'Scanlon noted. "Not only will this bill make it easier for the courts to punish the criminals, it will also shine a light on the growing problem and may discourage scammers from exploiting vulnerable residents."

The crime of fiscal victimization created by the bill would be an additional charge for suspects accused of theft of money or valuables.  

Senate Law and Public Safety Committee Advances “Harrison’s Law"

The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee advanced legislation (S1207) sponsored by Senator Michael Testa (pictured left) that would require Sexual Assault Response Teams to be trained in effectively assisting individuals with developmental disabilities.

"Individuals with developmental disabilities often face higher risks of sexual assault than the general public. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of services available to provide the necessary care and attention that someone with unique conditions would require," said Sen. Testa. "Harrison's Law seeks to address these disparities by requiring Sexual Assault Response Teams to be trained in how to assist sexual assault survivors who have developmental disabilities."

Under current law, each county prosecutor's office is required to establish a Sexual Assault Response Team to provide treatment, counseling, legal, and forensic medical services for victims of sexual assault. Each team consists of a certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiner, a rape care advocate, and a law enforcement official.

Senator Testa's bipartisan legislation, designated as "Harrison's Law," would require each member of a county's response team to be receive additional training so they can provide tailored support when responding to incidents involving a victim with a developmental disability.

Legislative Corner

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey monitors and addresses a broad range of legislation that relates to brain injury. Legislation listed below has advanced in either the New Jersey State Legislature or United States Congress. We also appreciate those elected officials who support our positions on certain legislation. We acknowledge such support when it occurs through this monthly electronic newsletter.

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. 

Bills Advanced

In the New Jersey Legislature

• S1016 - Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices.
• S1207 - Requires Sexual Assault Response Team to include person trained in interacting with persons with developmental disabilities; designated as “Harrison’s Law.”
• S1649 - Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons.
• SCR97 - Proposes constitutional amendment to give $250 property tax deduction to law enforcement officers who have sustained permanent disability.
• A2445 - Creates resume bank for certain persons with disabilities.
• A3993 - Require use of helmets when operating or riding upon electric bicycle or electric scooter.
• A4012 - Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services.

In the United States Congress

• H.R. 7208 - Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Thank you

S1016 - Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices.

• Senator Nellie Pou

S1649 - Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons.

• Senators Owen Henry, Angela McKnight, Carmen Amato

S2535 / A4012 - Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services.

• Senators Anthony Bucco, Patrick Diegnan, Holly Schepisi
• Assemblymembers Garnet Hall, William Sampson, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Gabriel Rodriguez, Aura Dunn

A1039 - Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

• Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn

A3013 - Requires police training for interactions with persons who may have behavioral health issues.

• Assemblyman Michael Venezia

A3636 - Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices.

• Assemblywomen Annette Quijano, Tennille McCoy