STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4986

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Senator GREENSTEIN)

ADOPTED: DECEMBER 22, 2025

      These Senate amendments provide that the program established by the bill will be called the Language Instruction Program (program) and that the program will be solely established in the Department of Human Services (department).

      The amendments remove references to the Early Intervention Program, established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1993, c.309 (C.26:1A-36.7). 

      The amendments remove references to instruction and support services provided by an interprofessional team.

      The amendments provide that the department will ensure that all American Sign Language Deaf Language Associates assigned to the program complete specified training and adhere to curriculum requirements as determined by the department.

      The amendments provide that the language instructions services made available by the department will follow an established curriculum tailored to American Sign Language.

      The amendments remove references to certain services such as consultations with licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists and case management services provided by a designated professional, who can provide services consistent with the family’s preferred method of communication including American Sign Language, spoken language, or augmentative and alternative communication.

      The amendments specify that services offered by the Early Intervention System in the Department of Health and case management services provided by an individual fluent in American Sign Language are to be included in the additional services the department can provide under the program.

      The amendments provide that the Commissioner of Human Services will adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this bill.

      The amendments require the department to issue a report annually to the Governor and the Legislature regarding the implementation and impact of the program established pursuant to the bill.

      The amendments appropriate from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services such funds as are necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.

      The amendments revise the effective date of the bill to take effect immediately.