This resolution asks the New Jersey Attorney General and Department of Education to regularly update two school safety documents that have not been significantly revised since 2007. The specific guidance includes the "School Safety and Security Manual" for schools and "Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1" for police agencies, both of which cover topics like lockdowns, evacuations, and emergency response. By urging these agencies to review the materials, the bill aims to ensure that school staff and law enforcement have access to the most current best practices for maintaining safety. The measure is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that creates new penalties or mandates.
This bill establishes a $10 million emergency fund to help licensed and registered child care programs in New Jersey avoid closure due to significant drops in enrollment. To qualify for assistance, a program must demonstrate a decrease of at least 30 percent in student numbers compared to the previous year. The State Treasurer manages the fund and distributes grants on a rolling basis, with no single provider receiving more than $60,000 annually. The bill also allows the fund to accept additional federal money and requires the Commissioner of Human Services to create an application process for eligible providers.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts to classify student illnesses as excused absences, provided parents or guardians submit supporting documentation when the student returns. To ensure consistency, the State Commissioner of Education will work with the Commissioner of Health to create specific guidelines defining what constitutes a valid illness and what types of proof schools may request. The law applies to all school districts in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year following its enactment.
This bill creates the Hazardous School Route Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Education to improve pedestrian safety for students walking to school. It allocates $15 million in funding to help school districts address dangerous walking paths where courtesy bus services are not available. To qualify, districts must demonstrate financial need and have previously adopted policies identifying hazardous routes, while municipalities must handle permits and long-term maintenance. The program allows grants of up to $1 million per district for projects like capital improvements or temporary transportation, with applications prioritized based on the severity of risks and the number of students affected.
This bill requires school districts in New Jersey to officially classify student absences due to illness as excused. To qualify, parents or guardians must provide supporting documentation to the school when the student returns. Additionally, the state's Commissioner of Education will work with health officials to create specific guidelines outlining what documentation is needed. The law applies to all public school districts and takes effect at the start of the next full school year after it is passed.
This bill designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month" to encourage physical activity and community safety. It does not change laws or funding but asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation inviting schools, organizations, and citizens to hold events promoting walking and biking to school. The resolution highlights benefits such as improved health, reduced air pollution, and safer streets, while urging communities to plan safe routes for students.
This bill creates a 13-member task force to review and improve New Jersey's existing anti-bullying rules and procedures in public schools. The group will consist of state education officials, representatives from various school organizations, and four public members appointed by legislative leaders. Their specific duties include evaluating current laws, suggesting ways to reduce administrative work for school districts, and researching better discipline methods used in other states. The task force must organize within 30 days and submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within six months of starting. Once the report is issued, the task force will automatically dissolve.
This bill creates a 90-day tax amnesty period in New Jersey that must conclude by January 15, 2027, allowing taxpayers to pay overdue state taxes from 2017 to 2026 with reduced interest and waived penalties. To participate, individuals must pay the full tax amount plus half of the accrued interest while agreeing to give up the right to appeal the tax assessment. Any money collected during this amnesty window will be placed into a dedicated account to provide stabilization funding for school districts, with an initial appropriation of up to $15 million. The program excludes taxpayers currently under criminal investigation for tax matters and requires them to file any missing tax returns by the end of the amnesty period.
This bill creates a new grant program in New Jersey to help school districts prevent gun violence among high-risk youth by funding evidence-based prevention strategies. To qualify, a school district must be located in an area with a high rate of homicides or violent crime, and the funds are intended to support programs that involve collaboration with community partners like mentors and mental health professionals. The $1 million appropriation allows districts to use the money for activities such as trauma healing, conflict resolution training, and connecting students with trusted adults. Additionally, the bill requires districts that receive funding to submit annual reports detailing how they utilized the grant money.
This bill requires School District Authority (SDA) districts in New Jersey to solicit at least three lease proposals from developers before signing a contract for new school building construction. To ensure fair competition, the school business administrator must create a standardized request for proposals that outlines evaluation criteria based on technical, management, and cost factors, with a 30-day public notice period for submissions. The legislation mandates that the final selection process be transparent, including a public report ranking the developers and detailing the chosen lease terms, while prohibiting negotiations on proposal terms after submission.
