Bill

Bill > A3702


NJ A3702

NJ A3702
Requires State, county, and municipal social service workers to periodically complete implicit bias and cultural competency training.


summary

Introduced
02/12/2024
In Committee
02/12/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires implicit bias and cultural competency training for all State, county, and municipal social service workers. Implicit bias is a bias in judgment or behavior that results from subtle cognitive processes, including implicit prejudice and implicit stereotypes, that often operate at a level below conscious awareness and without intentional control. Cultural competency is the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from different cultures or belief systems. The bill requires social service workers to complete the online tutorial by April 1 of every even-numbered year and to participate in training annually. The bill mandates that certain certifications and verifications be communicated to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and such communications will be considered public information. Every day, State, county, and municipal social service workers make decisions that impact people of all backgrounds and cultures. In doing this important work, it is critical for all of these individuals to understand their own biases as well as cultures and belief systems different from their own.

AI Summary

This bill requires implicit bias and cultural competency training for all State, county, and municipal social service workers. Implicit bias refers to unconscious biases in judgment or behavior, while cultural competency is the ability to understand and interact with people from different cultures or belief systems. The bill mandates that social service workers complete an online tutorial on these topics by April 1 of every even-numbered year, and participate in annual training as directed by their respective county or municipal governing body. Certifications and verifications of completion must be communicated to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and will be considered public information. The bill aims to ensure that social service workers, who make important decisions that impact people from diverse backgrounds, understand their own biases and are equipped with the necessary cultural competency skills.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 02/12/2024)

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