TRENTON — Gov. Jon Corzine on Sept. 9 signed legislation that “enhances protections for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” according to a release.
The first bill, A839/S989, requires wheelchair-bound passengers to be secured with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards approved securement device when traveling in a passenger car or other designated vehicle.
“This measure will not only ensure the safety of wheelchair bound passengers, it will also protect all those who travel New Jersey’s roads,” stated Corzine. “Taking this precaution will help to avoid unnecessary and preventable injuries.”
Failure to properly secure a wheelchair bound passenger will result in a $100 fine.
“In an accident, an unsecured wheelchair could be thrown forward through a windshield, seriously injuring its occupant, other passengers in the car, and others nearby,” said Sen. Fred Madden, (D-4th), who serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Panel. “By requiring these wheelchair-bound passengers to be secured while riding, we can help to prevent these types of accidents and increase safety on our roadways.”
Primary sponsors of the bill include Assemblymen Upendra J. Chivukula (D-17th) and Eric Munoz (R-21st). Senate primary sponsors were Senators Fred H. Madden Jr. (D-4th) and Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (R-21st).
The governor also signed A1908/S1217, which requires the Departments of Health and Senior Services and Human Services to develop an autism, intellectual and developmental disability training course and curriculum for first responders, including emergency medical technicians, police officers, and firefighters.
“Training first responders to meet the needs of a person with autism has become an acknowledged need across the country,” said Corzine. “Autism is an invisible disability – one that is not always immediately recognized. That’s why it’s important that we supply our emergency responders with accurate information on how to treat and work with these special needs individuals.”
New EMTs, volunteer and paid firefighters and local police officer recruits would be required to complete the training as a condition of certification. EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are currently licensed in New Jersey would be required to complete the training as a continuing education course within three years of the bill’s enactment date.
“With his signature today, Gov. Corzine is keeping New Jersey squarely at the forefront of the national effort to clear roadblocks and raise awareness so autistic individuals can become independent and successful members of society,” said Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-5th).
“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 Sen. Robert M. Gordon (D-38th). “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.”
“Although New Jersey is a national leader in providing care and support for those with autism, it is essential that our first-responder network is sufficiently trained to recognize autism and how to handle individuals who have this disorder,” said Assemblyman Scalera (D-Essex) “Giving New Jersey’s police officers and firefighters the tools and training to understand and help individuals with autism will make them better professionals.”
Primary sponsors of the legislation in the Assembly were Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) and Assemblymen Frederick Scalera (D-36th) and Paul D. Moriarity (D-4th). Sponsors in the Senate included Senators Loretta Weinberg (D-38th) and Robert M. Gordon (D-38th).
New Jersey has the highest rate of prevalence of autism among states studied by the CDC, or one in every 94 children in the state has autism. Last September, Corzine signed a package of seven bills relating to autism spectrum disorders.
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Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
