This bill requires New Jersey public schools to create policies for administering nasal seizure rescue medication and using manual vagus nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorders during emergencies. It defines specific roles for school nurses as primary responders while allowing them to designate at least two additional trained staff members to assist when the nurse is not present. The legislation mandates that designated staff receive CPR and defibrillator training, obtain written parental consent, and includes provisions protecting school employees from liability when acting in good faith during emergency medical situations.
This bill creates a non-refundable tax credit for New Jersey residents who homeschool their children or dependents, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim up to $1,000 per child for qualified educational expenses, with a maximum total credit of $3,000 per household. To qualify, the taxpayer's gross income must not exceed $150,000, and the credit applies to expenses such as textbooks, educational software, curriculum rentals, and library memberships, while excluding items like furniture, basic school supplies, and internet fees. Married couples filing separately can each claim half of the total credit amount for jointly incurred expenses, and the credit can only be applied to reduce tax liability to zero, not result in a refund. The legislation takes effect for taxable years beginning on or after January 1 following its enactment.
This bill requires every higher education institution in New Jersey to appoint at least one employee as a student parent liaison. The liaison would serve as the main contact point for student parents seeking accommodations or leave related to parenting responsibilities. Their role includes informing student parents about available academic support services, success strategies, and other resources designed to meet their unique needs. The contact information for these liaisons must be easily accessible on each institution's website. This law aims to improve access to support services for student parents without changing existing funding or eligibility requirements.
This bill creates the Task Force on Student Mental Health in New Jersey to study mental health issues affecting public school students, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. The 16-member task force includes state officials, educators, parents, and public members with relevant expertise, who will examine current programs and recommend ways to improve access to mental health care services. The group will review topics like student identification, counseling expansion, school safety connections, funding needs, and successful programs from other states, then submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of organizing. The task force will operate without compensation for members but may receive reimbursement for necessary expenses, and it will dissolve 30 days after issuing its report.
This bill allows New Jersey school districts to count up to five days of virtual or remote instruction toward the state's minimum 180-day school year requirement when schools are closed due to inclement weather, emergencies, or public health directives. It applies to public school districts, charter schools, and other district types that receive state aid, requiring them to submit approved remote learning programs to the state commissioner for review. The legislation ensures that virtual instruction days count as full attendance days for graduation requirements and course credits, while also mandating that students with disabilities receive equivalent educational opportunities through electronic platforms. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to establish guidelines addressing technology access, instruction length, meal programs, and assessment scheduling for remote learning scenarios.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture to revise the 20-hour weekly work requirement for college students to qualify for SNAP benefits. It directly affects college students attending institutions of higher education who currently must meet this work requirement to receive nutritional assistance. The resolution requests that the USDA approve changes to federal rules and asks the U.S. Congress to authorize state waivers for this requirement. It does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal recommendation to federal agencies and lawmakers.
This bill codifies existing regulations that allow public school students in New Jersey to record certain absences as excused, including religious observances, Veterans Day participation, and civic events. It specifically expands these provisions to permit up to three excused absences per school year for grades 11 and 12 students attending military service activities, vocational or trade school visits, or labor-related open houses. The legislation ensures that these excused absences do not negatively impact a student's attendance record or eligibility for perfect attendance awards, while requiring students to provide documentation to verify their eligibility. The bill takes effect 180 days after enactment but remains inactive until the start of the first full school year following that date.
This bill requires public school teachers in New Jersey to complete eight hours of mental health first aid training during their first year of employment and recertify every three years. The training covers identifying signs of mental health and substance use disorders, understanding risk factors, and learning intervention strategies for both crisis and non-crisis situations. It directly affects all public school teachers by making this instruction a mandatory part of their professional development requirements. The State Board of Education must implement these training requirements as part of existing professional development standards.
This bill clarifies how New Jersey public schools must record and report student attendance by establishing specific rules for excused and unexcused absences. It requires schools to count students as present if they participate in at least half a day of instruction, whether in-person, at an off-site location, or virtually. The legislation expands excused absences to include menstrual disorders, mental or behavioral health issues, court appearances, and family deaths, while also recognizing State-excused absences for religious observances, Veterans Day, election activities, college visits, and transportation closures. Students with excused absences can make up missed work, and these absences will not appear on transcripts or employment forms, though documentation may be required for approval.
This bill requires the president of every public college or university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity plan. The plan must outline how the institution will provide free menstrual products to students and staff, including estimates of need, distribution locations, costs, and a timeline for full implementation within 12 months. Once developed, the plan must be submitted to the institution's governing body, the Governor, and the Legislature. The law defines menstrual equity as ensuring equal access to menstrual hygiene products while reducing stigma around menstruation.
