New Jersey Senate Bill S3721

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/23
• Refer: 3/13/23

Caption

Requires DOH to collect certain data to be shared with certain State departments.

Impact

The law is designed to improve the educational outcomes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing by allowing the state to gather and analyze relevant data systematically. This proactive approach could lead to better-targeted resources and policy-making that focuses on the specific needs of this demographic. Furthermore, the measures included in the bill aim to ensure that the gathered information remains secure and is utilized in accordance with federal and state privacy regulations, promoting both transparency and confidentiality.

Summary

Bill S3721, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the Department of Health (DOH) to collect and share data regarding the educational progress and language proficiency of children diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing, aged from birth to ten years. This data collection aims to enhance the programs benefiting these children by providing critical insights into their development and learning needs. The bill emphasizes collaboration between the DOH, the Departments of Human Services (DHS), and Education (DOE) to establish a centralized data platform for effective data compilation and sharing.

Contention

While the bill generally received support due to its emphasis on enhancing educational support systems, some concerns may arise over the implementation aspects regarding data privacy and consent. The bill stipulates that data sharing will only occur with informed written consent from a child's parent or guardian, which addresses some privacy issues. However, the ability of different state departments to access and use this data could raise questions about oversight and accountability in how it is utilized in practice.