New Jersey Assembly Bill A2576

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires Director of Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in DHS to evaluate and report on interactions occurring between law enforcement and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Impact

The implementation of A2576 is expected to enhance the existing legal framework surrounding law enforcement practices involving individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. By conducting this evaluation, the bill aims to identify gaps in training, highlight the necessity of interpreter availability, and assess treatment outcomes for the deaf community during police interactions. Based on its findings, the bill anticipates proposing actionable recommendations to improve overall responsiveness and communication methods used by law enforcement agencies.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2576 mandates the Director of the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to evaluate interactions between law enforcement and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill sets a timeline for this evaluation to be conducted six months post-enactment, where the director is responsible for reviewing existing laws, regulations, and procedures governing these interactions. The aim is to gather comprehensive insights about the effectiveness of current policies in ensuring proper communication and treatment during law enforcement engagements with the deaf community.

Contention

Some notable points of contention surrounding the bill may include concerns about the adequacy of training provided to law enforcement personnel regarding communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Advocates may argue for the necessity of integrating more comprehensive training programs that include both sign language education and techniques for de-escalating potential conflicts. Additionally, discussions might arise regarding the availability of qualified interpreters and whether current resources are sufficient to meet the needs of the deaf community in law enforcement situations.