Board Governance and Elections
S-2837/A-4084
Summary Authorizes school districts to submit separate proposals for additional spending for subsequent budget year at special school election.
Sponsors Sen. Sarlo (D36), Sen. Ruiz (D29) / Asw. Pintor Marin (D29), Asw. Greenwald (D6), Asw. Speight (D29)
Status Signed by the governor on Sept. 4, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.60).
S-3957/A-5151
Summary Allows public bodies to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until certain specified date regardless of format.
Sponsors Sen. Sarlo (D36), Sen. Scutari (D22), Sen. Bucco (R25) / Asm. Atkins (D20), Asw. Carter (D22), Asw. McCann Stamato (D31)
Status Signed by the governor on Dec. 31, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.106).
Notes Following announcements that several newspapers in New Jersey would either be dissolving or discontinuing print editions in early 2025, the NJSBA – in conjunction with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Association of Counties – sent a joint letter to legislative leadership in October highlighting the urgent statutory compliance challenge for school boards and calling upon the Legislature to swiftly enact legislation that would provide local governing bodies with the opportunity to electronically publish any legally required notices.
A-5152/S-3965
Summary Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines.
Sponsors Asm. Schaer (D36), Asw. Haider (D37), Asw. Park (D37), Asm. Karabinchak (D18), Asm. Greenwald (D6) / Sen. Scutari (D22), Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Singer (R30)
Status Signed by the governor on Dec. 31, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.107).
A-2784/S-2548
Summary Authorizes a school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for the budget year and subsequent budget year.
Sponsors Asm. Greenwald (D6), Asm. Karabinchak (D18), Asm. Wimberly (D35) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Passed in Assembly 73-0-1; approved by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A-5117/S-3994
Summary Modifies the number of signatures required for candidates to be placed on primary, general, nonpartisan municipal, and school election ballots; requires the secretary of state to publish certain nominating petition forms by Jan. 1 of each year.
Sponsors Asm. Greenwald (D6) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Sarlo (D36)
Status Passed in Assembly 46-27-0; approved by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee.
A-1858
Summary Allows public bodies to conduct meetings by electronic means.
Sponsors Asm. Conaway (D7), Asw. Speight (D29), Asm. Schaer (D36)
Status Approved by Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
S-1780
Summary Prohibits school districts from denying admittance to students due to tardiness or violation of dress code/school uniform policy.
Sponsors Sen. McKnight (D31), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee.
Curriculum and Instruction
S-2644/A-4303
Summary Requires the NJDOE to establish a working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees.
Sponsors Sen. Ruiz (D29), Sen. Gopal (D11) / Asw. Morales (D34), Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Quijano (D20), Asw. Pintor Marin (D29)
Status Signed by the governor on Aug. 13, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.52).
Notes “Literacy is the essential skill that serves as the foundation for all learning. The New Jersey School Boards Association thanks Governor Murphy for prioritizing this issue and Senate Majority Leader Ruiz for her leadership in spearheading these critical measures that demonstrate her commitment to the children of New Jersey. and we applaud the entire Legislature for taking swift and bipartisan action in promoting and approving these bills, which will better prepare New Jersey’s students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on students’ academic achievement.” – Dr. Timothy J. Purnell, NJSBA executive director and CEO, said in press release issued by Gov. Murphy upon signing this bill and the related measure establishing an Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in the NJDOE (see below).
S-2647/A-2288
Summary Establishes Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in the NJDOE.
Sponsors Sen. Ruiz (D29), Sen. Turner (D15) / Asw. Lopez (D19), Asm. Wimberly (D35), Asm. Stanley (D18)
Status Signed by the governor on Aug. 13, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.53).
A-1997
Summary Requires the NJDOE to establish a central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.
Sponsors Asw. Speight (D29), Asw. Carter (D22), Asm. Venezia (D34)
Status Passed in Assembly 77-0-0.
S-2335
Summary Requires the New Jersey State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies on Latino and Hispanic American history.
Sponsors Sen. Ruiz (D29), Sen. Stack (D33), Sen. McKnight (D31)
Status Passed in Senate 40-0.
S-2970
Summary Lowers the age requirement of compulsory school attendance from six to five years old.
Sponsors Sen. Turner (D15), Sen. McKnight (D31)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Notes While supportive of the bill’s intent, the NJSBA has raised concerns about funding and the impact this measure could have on facilities.
S-3497
Summary Expands existing law to require high school students to receive financial literacy instruction.
Sponsors Sen. Gopal (D11), Sen. McKnight (D31)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A-1682/S-1054
Summary Requires school districts to provide instruction on the labor movement as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.
Sponsors Asm. Atkins (D20), Asw. Carter (D22), Asm. Sampson (D31) / Sen. Greenstein (D14), Sen. Gopal (D11)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee; approved by Assembly Education Committee.
S-2901/A-3873
Summary Allows some high school athletes to substitute study hall for physical education during their athletic seasons.
Sponsors Sen. O’Scanlon (R13) / Asw. Morales (D34), Asm. Venezia (D34), Asm. Wimberly (D35)
Status Posted “For Discussion Only” by Senate Education Committee; approved by Assembly Education Committee.
Notes The NJSBA’s committee testimony was featured on New Jersey 101.5 on May 20, 2024.
School Funding
A-4048
Summary Requires the upcoming Educational Adequacy Report to include a comprehensive review of certain components of school funding in consultation with certain stakeholders and experts.
Sponsor Asw. Bagolie (D27)
Status Passed in Assembly 76-1-0.
S-3035/A-4144
Summary “New Jersey Student Support Act”; establishes a program in the Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to taxpayers contributing to organization which awards scholarships to certain nonpublic school students.
Sponsors Sen. Gopal (D11), Sen. Lagana (D38) / Asw. Swain (D38), Asm. Schaer (D36), Asm. Atkins (D20)
Status Withdrawn from files.
S-3917
Summary Makes various changes to the school funding law; modifies the method of determining the tax levy growth limitation for school districts; revises components of the Educational Adequacy Report.
Sponsor Sen. Gopal (D11)
Status Posted “For Discussion Only” by Senate Education Committee.
Notes The NJSBA’s committee testimony was featured in the New Jersey Monitor on Dec. 5, 2024 and in NJ Spotlight News on Dec. 12, 2024.
A-4563
Summary Directs the NJDOE to create a New Jersey Education Funding Portal to make state school aid information available to school districts and the public.
Sponsors Asm. Freiman (D16), Asw. Drulis (D16), Asm. Karabinchak (D18)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee and referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
A-4854
Summary Modifies the method of allocating state aid for providing auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students.
Sponsors Asm. Schnall (D30), Asm. Schaer (D36)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee and referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
School Security
A-3897
Summary Requires municipalities, counties, and school districts to report cybersecurity incidents.
Sponsors Asm. Moen (D5), Asw. Quijano (D20), Asm. Atkins (D20)
Status Approved by Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee and approved by Assembly State and Local Government Committee and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
S-1284
Summary Establishes County-Based School Security Pilot Program in the NJDOE; appropriates $15 million.
Sponsor Sen. Beach (D6)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A-1792
Summary Directs the state attorney general to establish a program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety.
Sponsors Asw. Carter (D22), Asm. Verrelli (D15), Asw. Bagolie (D27)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
A-4639
Summary Requires boards of education to adopt policy on the use of surveillance systems with AI capabilities.
Sponsor Asm. Miller (D4)
Status Approved by Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee and referred to Assembly Education Committee.
Staffing and Labor Issues
A-1669/S-1287
Summary Removes obstacles to teacher certification for certain teachers; repeals law establishing alternative certificate of eligibility.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Lopez (D19), Asw. Bagolie (D27) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Signed by the governor on June 28, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.26).
S-2310/A-4151
Summary Requires transparency concerning compensation with promotional opportunities and in employment listings.
Sponsors Sen. Moriarty (D4), Sen. Turner (D15) / Asm. Danielsen (D17), Asw. Quijano (D20), Asw. McCoy (D14)
Status Signed by the governor on Nov. 18, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.91).
AJR-101/SJR-76
Summary Designates the second Friday of December of each year as “Paraprofessional and School-Related Personnel (PSRPs) in Our Schools Day” to recognize the contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Matsikoudis (R21), Asm. Rodriguez (D33) / Sen. Ruiz (D29), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Passed in Senate 40-0; passed in Assembly 71-0-0.
A-1675/S-2078
Summary Extends membership in the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Bagolie (D27), Asm. Stanley (D18) / Sen. Gopal (D11), Sen. Greenstein (D14)
Status Passed in Assembly 69-6-0; approved by Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A-3323/S-3713
Summary Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund purposes.
Sponsors Asm. Wimberly (D35), Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15), Asm. Simonsen (R1) / Sen. Polistina (R2), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Passed in Assembly 66-10-1; approved by Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A-3416/S-2378
Summary Provides gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for the expense of classroom supplies.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Haider (D37), Asw. Quijano (D20) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Polistina (R2)
Status Passed in Assembly 76-0-0; approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-2498/S-2505/A-3864
Summary Requires the NJDOE to establish a web portal for educators and substitutes to submit common applications for employment at New Jersey public schools.
Sponsors Sen. Ruiz (D29, Sen. Turner (D15), Sen. McKnight (D31) / Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15), Asm. Wimberly (D35), Asw. Quijano (D20)
Status Passed in Senate 40-0; approved by the Assembly Education Committee and referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
A-5077
Summary Extends statutory pause on the collection of student growth objective (SGO) data as relevant to educator evaluations.
Sponsors Asw. Morales (D34), Asw. Bagolie (D27), Asw. Carter (D22)
Status Passed in Assembly 61-2-8.
A-4307
Summary Establishes an exemption from the state residency requirement for certain public school teachers for two years.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Morales (D34), Asm. Miller (D4)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee.
Notes The NJSBA supports loosening or repealing the New Jersey First Act to help ease the staffing shortage, but this particular approach is too restrictive.
A-4621
Summary Requires employer to disclose information concerning leave eligibility in hiring package.
Sponsors Asw. Quijano (D20), Asm. Sampson (D31)
Status Approved by Assembly Labor Committee and referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
A-4625
Summary Requires employers to include in job posting whether posting is for existing position and sets additional job posting requirements.
Sponsors Asm. Danielsen (D17), Asw. Speight (D29)
Status Approved by Assembly Labor Committee and referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
Student Health and Safety
A-4148/S-3057
Summary Requires the New Jersey Department of Health to develop informational materials on Type 1 diabetes and the NJDOE to distribute to parents and guardians of enrolled students.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asm. Conaway (D7), Asw. Speight (D29) / Sen. McKnight (D31), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Signed by the governor on Dec. 12, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.103).
S-1548/A-1028
Summary Requires districts to adopt policies concerning student use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school and school-sponsored events.
Sponsors Asw. Munoz (R21), Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15) / Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Passed in Senate 38-0; approved by Assembly Education Committee.
A-1400/S-984
Summary Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards.
Sponsors Asw. Haider (D37), Asm. Calabrese (D36), Asm. Venezia (D34) / Sen. Greenstein (D14), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Passed in Assembly 75-0-0; approved by Senate Environment and Energy Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
ACR-115
Summary Urges the United States Congress to pass “Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023.”
Sponsors Asw. Murphy (D7), Asw. McCoy (D14), Asm. Coughlin (D19)
Status Passed in Assembly 52-13-6.
A-1657
Summary Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to professional counselors.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asm. Greenwald (D6), Asw. Speight (D29)
Status Passed in Assembly 56-12-4.
A-2029
Summary Directs the NJDOE and the NJDOH to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education concerning student vaping awareness campaigns.
Sponsors Asw. Speight (D29), Asm. Conaway (D7), Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15)
Status Passed in Assembly 76-0-0.
S-3695
Summary Requires the NJDOE to develop a policy concerning student cell phone and social media usage and requires boards of education to adopt such a policy.
Sponsors Sen. Moriarty (D4), Sen. Corrado (R40)
Status Passed in Senate 35-0.
Notes The NJSBA’s committee testimony was featured in NJ Spotlight News on Dec. 6, 2024, and on New Jersey 101.5 on Dec. 16, 2024.
A-3260
Summary Directs Department of Agriculture in consultation with the NJDOE, to establish Internet-based school meals application.
Sponsors Asm. Wimberly (D35), Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15), Asm. Karabinchak (D18)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee and approved by Assembly Appropriations Committee.
S-1784
Summary Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in the NJDOE.
Sponsor Sen. McKnight (D31)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-2376
Summary Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years.
Sponsors Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Vitale (D19)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee.
S-3195
Summary Prohibits food service businesses (including schools) from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses (including schools) to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site.
Sponsors Sen. Smith (D17), Sen. Mukherji (D32)
Status Approved by Senate Environment and Energy Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Notes The NJSBA’s committee testimony was featured in NJ Spotlight News and on New Jersey 101.5 on Oct. 10, 2024.
S-988
Summary Requires the NJDOE and the NJDCF to establish an online reporting system for schools to report lead testing results.
Sponsors Sen. Greenstein (D14), Sen. Mukherji (D32)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-1239
Summary Requires the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to require criminal history records checks for officials at association-sanctioned athletic events.
Sponsors Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-1253/A-1165
Summary Establishes pilot program in the NJDOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.
Sponsors Asw. Murphy (D7), Asw. Matsikoudis (R21) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Bucco (R25)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee; posted “For Discussion Only” by Assembly Education Committee.
S-1777
Summary Establishes a three-year pilot program for school-based mentoring in public schools within 1,000 feet of gunfire.
Sponsor Sen. McKnight (D31)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-1637
Summary Requires the state secretary of agriculture to establish Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse school districts for costs expended in sourcing and procuring local foods for students; appropriates $4,500,000.
Sponsors Sen. Zwicker (D16), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Approved by Senate Economic Growth Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-1033
Summary Requires DOH to study indoor air quality at public schools, develop list of common indoor air contaminants at public schools, and establish guidance regarding potential mitigation measures.
Sponsors Sen. Greenstein (D14), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Approved by Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Transportation
A-1677/S-3263
Summary Authorizes extended terms for lease and purchase contracts for electric school buses; permits the New Jersey School Boards Association to serve as government aggregator to obtain energy services for local units.
Sponsors Asw. Lampitt (D6), Asw. Bagolie (D27), Asw. Stanley (D18) / Sen. Diegnan (D18), Sen. Turner (D15)
Status Signed by the governor July 10, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.38).
A-2180/S-3000
Summary Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses.
Sponsors Asm. Moen (D5), Asm. Wimberly (D35), Asw. Murphy (D7) / Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Polistina (R2)
Status Conditionally vetoed; Legislature concurred with the governor’s recommendations; signed by the governor on Oct. 4, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.81).
Notes The NJSBA strongly supported the legislation as originally approved by the Legislature and sent to Gov. Murphy, who conditionally vetoed the bill. Rather than permit individuals to operate Type S school buses without a CDL, the governor recommended expanding an existing law that allows school personnel to transport students to and from school-related activities to also authorize them to drive students to and from school. The Legislature concurred with the governor’s recommendation and allowed the revised bill to become law. The law goes into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
A-2942
Summary Alters date by which school districts notify parents of nonpublic school students of eligibility for bus transportation or aid in-lieu-of transportation payment from August 1 to July 15.
Sponsors Asm. Schaer (D36), Asm. Wimberly (D35)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee and approved by Assembly Appropriations Committee.
A-1432
Summary Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems.
Sponsors Asm. Karabinchak (D18), Asm. Stanley (D18), Asw. Haider (D37)
Status Approved by Assembly Education Committee.
S-1240
Summary Expands duties of Office of School Bus Safety.
Sponsor Sen. Beach (D6)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee.
S-3447
Summary Establishes Special Education Transportation Task Force.
Sponsors Sen. Corrado (R40), Sen. Diegnan (D18)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee.
S-3537
Summary Requires the state to bear partial cost of transportation of certain homeless students to school.
Sponsors Sen. Gopal (D11), Sen. Mukherji (D32)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Miscellaneous
A-3446/S-2421
Summary “Freedom to Read Act”; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians.
Sponsors Asw. Drulis (D16), Asw. Sumter (D35), Asm. Conaway (D7) / Sen. Zwicker (D16), Sen. Ruiz (D29)
Status Signed by the governor on Dec. 9, 2024 (P.L.2024, c.96).
Notes “The New Jersey School Boards Association believes this legislation achieves a thoughtful and practical balance. It preserves local control and the authority of boards of education, ensures students have access to developmentally appropriate library materials, respects the vital role of school library staff and recognizes that parents and the school community may have concerns about certain materials. We appreciate the collaborative approach the sponsors took in crafting this legislation and their effort to strengthen the authority of local boards of education.” – Dr. Timothy Purnell, NJSBA executive director and CEO, said in a press release issued by Gov. Murphy upon the bill’s approval.
A-2158
Summary Requires institutions of higher education and government employers to provide certain students and employees with information about Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Sponsors Asm. Moen (D5), Asw. Speight (D29), Asm. Atkins (D20)
Status Passed in Assembly 74-0-1.
S-2860
Summary Establishes Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program.
Sponsors Sen. Singleton (D7), Sen. Beach (D6)
Status Approved by Senate Education Committee and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-2306/A-2369
Summary “New Jersey Works Act”; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.
Sponsors Sen. Beach (D6), Sen. Singleton (D7) / Asm. Spearman (D5), Asw. Quijano (D20), Asw. Reynolds-Jackson (D15)
Status Approved by Assembly Labor Committee and approved by Assembly Appropriations Committee; approved by Senate Labor Committee and approved by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
S-3415
Summary Establishes “Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program”; amends law concerning New Jersey Infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under “Public School Contracts Law” and “Local Public Contracts Law” up to 25 years.
Sponsors Sen. Zwicker (D16), Sen. Sarlo (D36)
Status Approved by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
