Weinberg/Gordon Bill To Create Autism Training Program For First Responders Gets Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg, which would require the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish an autism awareness training course and curriculum for first responders like emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and police officers, was approved today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

“This legislation would work to ensure that first responders are trained to deal with the special needs of those living with autism and related disorders,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen, who serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Health panel. “Because characteristics of autism are not always immediately recognizable, we must make sure that those living with the disease are able to receive the medical care they need, as quickly as possible in an emergency situation.”

TRENTON – The NJ Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect would be given additional responsibilities to become an active participant in the fight against child abuse under legislation sponsored by Senators Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale approved today by the State Senate.

“There are few crimes more despicable than child abuse and neglect and the State must make every effort possible to eradicate these scourges,” said Senator Turner, D-Mercer. “This legislation with rejuvenate the Task Force and allow the State to more effectively bring the collective knowledge of the public to bear on issues of child abuse and neglect in New Jersey.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Loretta Weinberg and Jeff Van Drew which would require all reports and publications produced by the State to be made available primarily on the Internet was unanimously approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee today.

“Through this legislation, we can start to move away from wasteful, glossy printed publications, and create more efficiency and openness in the delivery of public reports,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “It defies logic that the State would spend taxpayer dollars to produce slick, glossy reports and publications designed to give policymakers more information, when all we’re really looking for is the information. Through this bill, we can cut down on printer expenses and move New Jersey to a more environmentally-friendly model when it comes to reports and printed publications.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Bergen County Senators Loretta Weinberg and Bob Gordon which requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish an autism awareness training course and curriculum for first responders like emergency medical technicians (EMTs), firefighters and police officers, has been signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine.

“In an emergency situation, every second counts, and the knowledge that a person suffers from autism can mean the difference between life and death,” said Senator Weinberg. “The signs of autism are not always easily recognizable, so knowledge of it and related disorders will help first responders know how best to deal with and treat those living with the disease.”

“Training courses like the ones called for in this legislation are absolutely necessary to help protect people with special needs, and the first responders who may come to their rescue in an emergency situation,” said Senator Gordon. “While I am confident that our law enforcement officers and first responders work hard to treat all people with respect, this is an issue of fairness. I would hate to hear of a person living with autism being physically harmed because of their inability to comprehend instructions they’ve been given.”