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Bill

Bill

A 1696

Directs Commissioner of Education to appoint coordinator and regional consultants to coordinate the education of students with traumatic brain injury.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 3 co-sponsors

New Jersey must appoint a TBI education coordinator and regional consultants to improve services and support for students with traumatic brain injuries statewide.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1696

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1696 mandates that New Jersey's Commissioner of Education establish a coordinator position and hire regional consultants specifically tasked with overseeing education services for students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This creates a dedicated administrative infrastructure within the Department of Education to address the needs of this student population.

Why is this important

Traumatic brain injury can significantly impact cognitive function, learning, behavior, and physical abilities, yet students with TBI often lack specialized educational support or awareness among school staff. Establishing a dedicated coordinator and regional consultants could improve identification, appropriate placements, individualized education planning, and staff training—potentially reducing educational delays and behavioral challenges for affected students.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The bill does not specify budget allocations, raising questions about whether new positions will require increased education spending or reallocation from existing programs
  • Scope and definitions: Unclear what severity or types of TBI trigger coordinator involvement, and whether this duplicates existing special education services already required under IDEA
  • Implementation timeline: No deadline is specified for appointing the coordinator or establishing the regional consultant network, which could delay services
  • Overlap with existing roles: The bill doesn't clarify how this coordinator interacts with school psychologists, special education directors, and other staff already supporting students with disabilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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