A 4864 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Establishes Distraction Free Schools Grant Program; appropriates $2 million.

This bill establishes the Distraction Free Schools Grant Program, appropriating $2 million to fund public schools in New Jersey that implement policies limiting student cell phone and social media use during school hours and school events. Public schools applying for grants must demonstrate how funding will support these restrictions, but are not required to adopt all recommended best practices (such as age-appropriate policies, emergency use allowances, or device storage options). Schools receiving grants must submit annual reports on how the policies affect academic performance, behavior, absenteeism, and student well-being, with the Department of Education compiling these reports to evaluate the program's effectiveness. The program directly affects New Jersey public schools, students, and school staff by providing financial support for evidence-based approaches to reduce device distractions during learning.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 23, 2024 Last action Sep 23, 2024
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Sep 23, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Aura Dunn
Aura Dunn
RRepublican
NJ
25