SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

with committee amendments

SENATE, No. 2311

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 26, 2024

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 2311.

      As amended, this bill modifies the health care professions governed by the law regarding criminal history background checks.  Specifically, the bill modifies the definition of “health care professional” in the law by incorporating individuals seeking licensure from the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners, the State Board of Creative Arts and Activities Therapies, or the State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition.  Individuals captured by this modification will be required to undergo a criminal history background check prior to issuance of an initial license.  This requirement will take effect immediately upon enactment.  Individuals will also be subject to current law allowing the requisite board or the Division of Consumer Affairs to refuse to renew or to revoke a license if criminal history record information exists that provides grounds for a refusal or revocation.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to modify the effective date to be immediate.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      This bill has not been certified as requiring a fiscal note.