ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1599

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 12, 2021

      The Assembly Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1599.

     This bill provides that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion must receive an evaluation by a licensed health care professional and written clearance from the licensed health care professional to return to school.  In the event that the licensed health care professional provides notice that the student requires restrictions or limitations, the school district 504 team, as defined in N.J.A.C.6A:8-1.3, (a group of persons that makes program and placement decisions according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and 34 CFR § 104.35(c)), must immediately implement the restrictions or limitations and notify all teachers and staff who have contact with the student of the restrictions or limitations.  The school district’s 504 team would promptly identify the manner in which the restrictions or limitations would be provided to the student during recovery and the need for the continuation or adjustment of the restrictions or limitations, and to determine the duration of the restrictions or limitations.

     The bill also provides that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion is prohibited from engaging in any physical activity at school including, but not limited to, recess or physical education.  The student may not participate in any physical activity until evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to participate.

     As defined in the bill, "licensed health care professional" means a health care provider whose scope of practice includes the ability to diagnose and treat a concussion.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.