This bill creates a $2 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help schools provide internet and device access for economically disadvantaged students. It requires schools receiving grants to maintain one "online instruction equipment" unit (a connected device like a laptop plus a Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile broadband service) for every 12 students enrolled. Schools with the highest number of students lacking internet access will receive priority for funding. The program applies to public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools, with funds covering equipment costs to support remote learning.
This bill establishes a $20 million annual financing program through New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank to help school districts replace diesel school buses with electric ones and install charging infrastructure. It directs the Infrastructure Bank to provide loans and financial assistance to school districts, prioritizing those in "overburdened communities" as defined by state law. School districts must complete energy assessments comparing costs and environmental benefits of electric buses before receiving funding. The program uses existing societal benefits charge revenues, federal funds, and loan repayments to sustain the initiative without requiring new state taxes.
This bill (A 3819) requires all New Jersey 11th grade students to complete a mandatory United States civics course starting in the 2023-2024 school year as part of their high school graduation requirements. The course must cover democratic principles, U.S. government, and New Jersey's state, county, and municipal governments to prepare students for civic participation. Local school boards must provide the course, and the State Board of Education must ensure it is included in graduation requirements. The policy directly affects all public high school students in 11th grade across New Jersey.
This bill requires all New Jersey high school students pursuing a state-endorsed diploma to complete a one-semester financial literacy course. It directly affects high school students by mandating curriculum covering budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, banking, and consumer skills. The course must be taught by teachers with appropriate endorsements and cannot be satisfied by existing economics or business courses. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.
This New Jersey bill requires public school districts to teach artificial intelligence (AI) to students in grades K-12 as part of computer science and design thinking curricula. It mandates instruction on basic AI concepts, foundational user skills, and responsible ethical use, with the state providing age-appropriate teaching resources. Public colleges and universities must also offer AI certificate and degree programs, with the Secretary of Higher Education developing model curricula for these programs in consultation with education and workforce agencies. The model curricula must include course sequences, career pathways, and student outcome standards, taking effect in the first full school and academic year after enactment.
This New Jersey bill (A-1728) prohibits public school districts from denying students admittance due to tardiness or violations of dress code or uniform policies. It specifically allows denial only for clothing indicating gang affiliation with criminal activity. Schools may still enforce other conduct policies not covered by this law. The bill directly affects all public school students and districts in New Jersey, ensuring students cannot be barred from school for these specific infractions.
This bill allows public school students aged 14 and older in New Jersey to receive excused absences for participating in non-partisan election-related activities on general election day. Students must provide documentation - including a supervisor’s signature, activity description, and proof the activity was approved by their school and not partisan - to their school administrators. The bill specifically covers activities like observing polls, simulated voting, or transporting voters, as long as the school board approves them in advance and the student’s academic performance meets school-set standards. Schools may deny excused absences if a student’s academic achievement falls below a board-defined level.
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This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide incoming and enrolled students with information about federal food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and local resources. Specifically, institutions must include a link to the SNAP application and NJ 211 (a state service for human services referrals) in initial admission offers and semester registration emails. They must also share details about campus food pantries, meal swipe programs, or community food assistance options. The bill, which was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.213, aims to address food insecurity among college students by improving access to existing support systems.
ACR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey to fund public school districts (excluding special education) with equal per-pupil state aid. This would change current funding practices where aid per student varies significantly between districts. The amendment specifies the state would not be required to set minimum or maximum funding levels for districts. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to mandate this equal per-pupil funding approach for general school support.
This concurrent resolution (ACR 117) urges the U.S. President to expand access to free menstrual products in schools nationwide. It argues that Title IX - which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools - should be interpreted to require schools to provide menstrual products, addressing how lack of access causes students to miss school or use unsafe alternatives. The resolution cites data showing over half of high school students who menstruate face attendance disruptions due to period poverty, risking health issues like infections. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal force but seeks to encourage federal action through policy interpretation.
