New Jersey Assembly Bill A4499

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 3/23/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Refer: 5/8/23

Caption

Modifies languages that examinations are to be conducted in for applicants seeking professional license issued by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

Impact

If enacted, A4499 would significantly broaden access to the professional licensing process for individuals who may not be proficient in English. By including additional languages in the examination process, the bill aims to accommodate a more diverse population and ensure equitable opportunities for all applicants in the cosmetology industry. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Division of Consumers Affairs will maintain a public record online, detailing the languages available for exams, thereby enhancing transparency.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4499, introduced by Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, seeks to amend existing regulations around the administration of examinations for professional licenses by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. The bill proposes that examinations must be conducted in English and offers the option to provide tests in the four other most commonly spoken languages in New Jersey. This is a departure from the current law, which only mandates examinations in English with an optional provision for Spanish, as needed for practicing licensees.

Contention

This bill may lead to discussions regarding the feasibility and practicality of implementing these changes, particularly in relation to the costs associated with developing and administering examinations in multiple languages. Concerns may be raised about the qualifications of translators and the quality of the tests when they are offered in various languages, which advocates for standards in education and consumer protection may emphasize. Overall, while the bill promotes inclusivity, it might face pushback on operational grounds from those concerned with standardized testing protocols.