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Bill

Bill

S 2242

Requires DOH to collect and coordinate data on language proficiency of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bucco and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey requires the Department of Health to collect statewide data on deaf and hard of hearing children's language proficiency to improve education and health services.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2242

Legislative bill overview

S 2242 requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to establish a statewide data collection and coordination system tracking language proficiency levels among deaf and hard of hearing children. The bill aims to create comprehensive data on how these children develop literacy and communication skills across spoken English, sign language, and other language modalities to inform educational and health policy decisions.

Why is this important

Deaf and hard of hearing children have diverse communication needs, and current data gaps prevent policymakers and educators from understanding proficiency outcomes or identifying gaps in services. Coordinated data collection could improve early intervention programs, educational support, and resource allocation for this population. This addresses a public health infrastructure need that affects access to equitable education and development outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy concerns: Collecting sensitive health and developmental information on minors requires robust safeguards; implementation details on data security, parental consent, and information sharing between agencies remain unclear
  • Implementation costs and responsibility: The bill mandates DOH coordination but doesn't specify funding, staffing, or whether local school districts bear data collection burdens, potentially creating unfunded compliance requirements
  • Defining "language proficiency": Disagreement may arise over how to measure proficiency across different communication modalities (ASL, spoken English, cued speech, etc.) and whether standardized assessments exist or must be developed

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

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