This bill establishes a 13-member Task Force on Higher Education Governance and Funding to study New Jersey's higher education system, including its organizational structure, oversight mechanisms, and financial support. The task force will include representatives from state agencies, universities, colleges, and labor organizations, with appointments made within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The group is required to hold at least one public hearing, examine how current funding affects tuition and student outcomes, and submit data-driven recommendations to the Legislature on how to adequately and equitably fund public higher education institutions. The bill appropriates $200,000 to cover the task force's operational costs and member reimbursement for necessary expenses.
This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to offer one-time virtual or remote instruction to students attending public schools that are being used as polling places on April 16, 2026, for a special election. The measure permits districts to count this day of remote learning toward the state's 180-day school attendance requirement, which is normally only counted during declared emergencies. Districts must ensure students have access to necessary technology and follow existing virtual instruction guidelines approved by the state education commissioner. The superintendent of schools decides whether to implement the program and must notify parents, staff, and the school board of the decision.
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Elections
This bill allows New Jersey school districts to count absences due to a student's mental or behavioral health issues as excused absences. It requires the state Commissioner of Education to work with the Commissioner of Health to create guidelines that define what counts as an excused absence for these health reasons and what documentation schools may need when students return. The policy changes would apply starting the first day of the second full school year after the bill is enacted, giving the state time to prepare administrative rules. Students with mental or behavioral health challenges would gain flexibility in their attendance records, while schools would have a standardized framework to verify these absences.
This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to count the value of SREC-IIs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) as part of the financial calculations when deciding whether energy-saving projects are cost-effective. It directly affects school boards and energy service companies that implement energy conservation programs in public schools. The key change permits these renewable energy credits to be included in cost-benefit analyses, potentially making it easier for districts to justify and fund energy efficiency improvements. The bill does not alter existing requirements for public bidding, prevailing wages, or contractor qualifications under current energy savings improvement programs.
This bill requires New Jersey high schools to teach cybersecurity to students in grades nine through twelve, with the state education commissioner creating curriculum guidelines that cover basic computer skills, internet safety, and career pathways. It also directs the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to develop model curricula for four-year universities and county colleges to help them design cybersecurity degree programs that meet accreditation standards. Additionally, the bill establishes loan redemption programs for individuals working in specific cybersecurity occupations, though the exact terms of these financial incentives are not detailed in the text provided. The legislation aims to build a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals by integrating education from high school through higher education.
This bill creates a new program within New Jersey's Department of Education to offer extended learning time opportunities, such as before and after school programs, in specific communities affected by high cannabis-related crime and poverty. It designates "impact zones" as municipalities that meet certain criteria related to marijuana arrests, crime rates, and unemployment, and requires these districts to develop and implement programs that provide academic and enrichment services during non-school hours. The program will be funded using a portion of state cannabis revenue, and districts must hold public hearings and submit detailed plans outlining services, staffing, schedules, and costs for approval by the state education commissioner.
This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to offer one-time virtual or remote instruction to students attending public schools that are designated as polling places for a special election on April 16, 2026. The measure permits districts to count the day of remote instruction toward the state's 180-day school attendance requirement, provided the virtual learning program follows existing approval standards and students have access to necessary technology. School superintendents will have the authority to implement this instruction after consulting with the board of education and notifying all stakeholders. The provision applies only to this specific election and does not require districts to combine in-person and remote instruction on that day.
Tags
Elections
This bill creates a new security grant program for private colleges and universities in New Jersey that are at high risk of violence, vandalism, or cyber attacks. The $5 million appropriation will fund security measures such as hiring personnel, purchasing protective equipment, and installing surveillance systems at eligible institutions. The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will manage the program, prioritizing schools that haven't recently received similar state or federal security funding. Private institutions must apply and explain how they plan to use the grant money for security improvements.
This bill creates the Supporting Educational and Entrepreneurial Development (S.E.E.D.) Program within New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to provide grants for student-led projects. The program will be managed by a seven-member board that includes the Secretary of Higher Education, a business representative, and five public members appointed by legislative and executive leaders. Grants are awarded through a competitive process based on project merit, feasibility, and applicant qualifications, with funds used to help projects become self-sustaining or qualify for additional funding. The S.E.E.D. Fund will be financed through state appropriations calculated based on student enrollment numbers at public institutions, plus interest earnings, with future funding levels adjusted based on project outcomes.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts to create procedures for reporting harassment, intimidation, and bullying online through their official websites. It mandates that districts update their existing anti-bullying policies to include an electronic reporting form accessible to students, parents, and staff. The law also maintains current requirements for written reports to principals within two school days and prohibits formal discipline based solely on anonymous reports. School districts must allow anonymous reporting while still following established investigation and disciplinary processes for confirmed incidents.
