Kean Bill Updating Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council Clears Senate Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Kean that update’s the membership and purpose of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council was advanced by the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

“This bill will modernize the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council to reflect a wider and more diverse audience—and more closely align the mission and focus of the Council with the current needs facing the deaf and hard of hearing community,” said Senator Kean (R-21). “By improving the membership and purpose of the Council, we will be able to more effectively assist individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing while enhancing public awareness of their needs.”

Under S-2441, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council’s membership will include new public members, including a parent of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing and has special needs, and a person who is deaf-blind.

The legislation will also increase communication and transparency among state agencies by requiring the advisory council to coordinate with other State and local authorities that serve persons who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing—and to consult with organizations and individuals who are knowledgeable about the needs of such persons, and the needs of their families. The advisory council can then make recommendations on how local communities can better serve those individuals.

A previous version of the bill (S-3263) in the prior legislative session passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously but was pocket vetoed by Governor Murphy.