This bill establishes an early language instruction program within the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services, aimed at supporting the language acquisition and developmental needs of deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children aged five and younger, along with their families. The program, which is free of charge, will provide eligible children and their families with up to 25 hours of instruction and support services per week from an American Sign Language Deaf Language Associate. Services will be available in various settings, including childcare centers, preschool programs, summer camps, and homes, and will also include additional resources such as case management, assistance in locating interpreters, and sensitivity training for healthcare and educational providers.

To qualify for the program, families must provide proof of the child's hearing loss, age, and residency in New Jersey. The bill also mandates the Executive Director of the Division to adopt necessary rules and regulations for implementation, with an appropriation of $550,000 allocated under the FY 2024 Appropriations Act to support the program. The act is set to take effect 90 days after enactment, although anticipatory administrative actions may be taken prior to that date.