ASSEMBLY REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1925

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 22, 2024

      The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1925.

     As amended, this bill modifies current law by requiring the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer its practical and written examinations in English, with the option for an individual to take each portion of the examination in one of the four other most commonly spoken languages in the State and, in the case of practicing licensees, allow the use of a translator.  Existing law only requires the board to provide the examinations in English, with the option of Spanish in the case of practicing licensees (who may also be approved by the board for the use of a translator).  The Division of Consumers Affairs is to consult the American Community Survey issued by the United States Census Bureau, or other comparable data set, to determine the four most commonly spoken languages and then post on its Internet website the languages in which the practical and written examination will be offered.  The division is to verify, at least every five years, the four most commonly spoken languages, other than English, in New Jersey.  Lastly, the effective date was extended to grant more time for the promulgation of rules and regulations.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to:

      1)   reinstate the option to use a translator;

      2)   authorize the use of the American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, or other comparable data set, by the Division of Consumer Affairs to determine the four most commonly spoken languages in the State aside from English; and

      3)   extend the effective date.