Statehouse Update:  Week of September 6th, 2021

Posted · Add Comment

-Jennie Lamon, Assistant Director of Government Relations  (jlamon@njpsa.org)

 

New Laws: 

These bills have recently been signed into law by Governor Murphy:

 

S-3995 Establishes School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund in BPU. On June 24, 2021, the bill was passed by the Senate (37-2) and by the General Assembly (72-0-0). On August 24, 2021, the Governor signed the bill into law, P.L.2021, c.200. This act shall take effect immediately.

 

S-84 / A-3149 (Bateman / Singleton / Greenstein / Murphy / Greenwald / Freiman) – Requires institutions of higher education and public and nonpublic high schools and middle schools to adopt anti-hazing policies; expands activities encompassing criminal hazing and upgrades penalties for engaging in these activities. On June 15th, it was passed by the Senate (40-0).  On June 24th, the Assembly passed the bill by a vote of (75-0-0). On August 24, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the bill into law, P.L.2021, c.208. Per the language of the statute, this act shall take effect on the first day of the seventh month next following the date of enactment, except the Commissioner of Education and the Attorney General may take such anticipatory administrative action in advance as shall be necessary for the implementation of this act.

 

A-5365 / S-3872 (Caputo / Sumter / Mukherji / Turner / Ruiz) – Permits parent or guardian to request grade retention for student during 2021-2022 school year. On June 3rd, it passed the Assembly by a unanimous vote of (72-0-0).  On June 24th, it was passed by the Senate (39-1). On June 30th, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.141.  This act takes effect immediately.   

 

This bill provides that for the 2021-2022 school year, the parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody of a student enrolled in the grades kindergarten through eight is permitted to submit a written request of grade retention for the same grade level in which the student was enrolled during the 2020-2021 school year to the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled by June 30, 2021. A superintendent may accept a written request of grade retention after June 30, 2021. 

 

The bill requires that the parent requesting grade retention consult with the school counselor, the child study team, or the individualized education program team, as applicable, and the student’s teachers to review and evaluate whether grade retention is necessary to meet the academic and social and emotional needs of the student.  The results of the consultation would be submitted to the principal.  If, after consultation, it is determined that grade retention is necessary to meet the academic and social and emotional needs of the student, the school principal is required to grant the request of grade retention.  

 

If there is not a consensus as to whether grade retention is necessary, the superintendent of the school district, or the superintendent’s designee, would review the results of the consultation conducted under the bill and make a final determination to grant or deny the written request of grade retention.  

    

S-2022/A-5870 (FY 2022 Appropriations bill) Appropriates $46,380,012,000 in State funds and $21,026,030,082 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. On June 24th, the Senate passed this bill  (25-15) and the Assembly passed it (49-26-0).  On June 29th, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.133.  This act takes effect on July 1, 2021.

 

S-3949 / A-5871 (Sarlo, Cunningham / Pintor Marin, Burzichelli) – FY 2021 State supplemental appropriation; appropriates $100.3 million in General Fund monies and $14.4 million in Property Tax Relief Fund monies. On June 24th, the Senate passed this bill (36-3), and the Assembly passed the measure (49-26-0). On June 29, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.127.  This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5539 / S-3954 (Burzichelli, Benson, Zwicker / Sarlo, Sweeney) – Provides partial pension and retirement income exclusion for taxpayers with incomes between $100,000 and $150,000. On June 24th, this bill was unanimously passed by both Houses. On June 29, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.129.  This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5886 / S-3959 (Caputo / Stanley / Reynolds-Jackson / Addiego / Turner) – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for school security projects in certain school districts; appropriates $66,173,243.  On June 21st, this bill was passed by the General Assembly by a vote of (72-0-0).  On June 24th, this bill passed the Senate by a vote of (40-0).  On July 1st, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.145. This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5887 / S-3960 (Benson / Jimenez / Taliaferro / Cunningham / Turner) – Awards project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for water infrastructure projects in certain school districts; appropriates $6,608,212. On June 21st, this bill was passed by the Assembly by a vote of (71-0-0).  Three days later, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of (40-0).  On July 1, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.146. This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5888 / S-3961 (DeAngelo / Armato / Quijano / Cunningham / Ruiz) – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Future Fund” for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $26,456,996. On June 21st, this bill was passed by the Assembly by a vote of (72-0-0).  Three days later, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of (40-0).  On July 1, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.147. This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5889 / S-3962 (Mazzeo / Zwicker / Johnson / Sweeney / Turner / Ruiz) – Provides project grants under “Securing Our Children’s Fund” for career and technical education expansion in county vocational school districts; appropriates $222,904,769. On June 21st, this bill was passed by the Assembly by a vote of (72-0-0).  Three days later, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of (40-0).  On July 1, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.148.  This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-5597 / S-3801 (Conaway / Jimenez / Speight / Vitale) – Permits school districts to administer student health surveys after prior written notification to parents and legal guardians. On May 20th, this bill was passed by the Assembly by a vote of (48-28-0). 

On June 24th, this bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of (24-15).  On July 2, 2021, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.1.  This act takes effect on the 180th day after the date of enactment. 

 

A-5825 /S-3487 (Coughlin / Sweeney) – Changes effective date of Garden State Health Plan; exempts certain charter and renaissance schools from certain healthcare plan requirements; requires certain negotiations over certain health care costs.  On June 21st, the Assembly passed this bill (72-0-0). On June 30th, the Senate passed it by a vote of (38-0). On July 7th, Governor Murphy signed it into law, P.L.2021, c.163. This act takes effect immediately. 

 

A-850 (Chiaravalloti / Karabinchak / Reynolds-Jackson) – Establishes “Broadband Access Study Commission.” On July 7, 2021, the Governor signed this bill into law, P.L.2021, c.161. This act takes effect immediately and shall expire upon the submission by the commission of its report pursuant to section 5 of this act.

 

On the Governor’s Desk:

 

The following bills have been passed by both Houses and have been sent to the Governor for his consideration.  We continue to monitor these bills and will let our members know if and when they are signed into law.

 

S-550 Requires certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. On May 20, 2021, the General Assembly passed the bill (76-0-0). On June 1, 2021, the State Senate passed the bill (38-0). The bill has now passed both Houses and is before Governor Murphy for his consideration.

 

A-970 Establishes Mental Health Screening in Schools Grant Program in DOE; appropriates $1 million. On March 25, 2021, the Senate passed this bill by a vote of (33-3).  On May 20, the General Assembly passed the bill (65-8-3).  The bill has now passed both houses and is on the Governor’s desk awaiting his consideration. 

 

A-1625  Directs DOE to develop outreach program to encourage young women and minorities to pursue post-secondary degrees and careers in STEM.  On June 3, 2021, the Senate passed the bill (38-0) and the General Assembly passed it (70-0-0).  The bill has now passed both Houses and is before Governor Murphy for his consideration. 

 

A-2455 Establishes pilot program in DOE to support FIRST Robotics Programs in school districts. On March 1, 2021, this bill was passed by the General Assembly (70-0-0) and on June 3, 2021, the Senate passed the bill (38-0). The bill has now passed both Houses and is on Governor Murphy’s desk awaiting approval.

 

A-4433/S-2715  Creates grant program to encourage school districts to partner with institutions of higher education in training school-based mental health services providers. On Monday, June 21, 2021, this bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of (40-0) and the General Assembly by a vote of (72-0-0). This bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration. If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

A-4544/S-3150 Permits school nurse who is retired from TPAF to return to employment for up to two years without reenrollment in TPAF. On Monday, June 21, 2021, this bill was passed by the Senate by a vote of (40-0) and the General Assembly by a vote of (72-0-0). This bill has now passed both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration. If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

S-3948/A-5896 Authorizes supplemental State aid to school districts receiving certain federal Impact Aid; makes appropriation. On Monday, June 21, 2021, this bill was unanimously passed by the full Senate (40-0).  The same day, the bill was passed by the General Assembly (68-2-2).  The bill has now passed both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

S-225/A-679 Provides that student-athlete who sustains concussion must return to regular school activities prior to return to competition; requires school districts to implement six-step return-to-competition process.  On Monday, June 21st, this bill was unanimously passed by the General Assembly (72-0-0), and the Senate (38-0).  The bill has now passed both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

S-2826/A-4594 Directs DOE to establish five-year pilot program for issuance of limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing and limited certificate of eligibility for certain teacher candidates.  On June 21, 2021, this bill passed the General Assembly by a vote of (65-5-1). Having previously passed the Senate on June 3rd, the bill has now passed both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

S-2834/A-5312 Mandates training on culturally responsive teaching for all candidates for teaching certification. On June 21st, this bill was passed by the General Assembly by a vote of (58-11-3). Having previously passed the Senate on February 19th, this bill has now been passed by both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

A-5882/S-3943 (Vitale / Madden) – Establishes State supplement for federal summer food service program meals. On June 24th, 2021, this bill was both passed by the Assembly (72-3-0) and the Senate (40-0).  This bill has now been passed by both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

A-5883/S-3944 (Ruiz / Turner) – Establishes State supplement for “breakfast after the bell” meals.  On June 24th,this bill was both passed by the Assembly (71-4-0) and the Senate (40-0).  This bill has now been passed by both houses and will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, the bill will become law. 

 

A-4435 / S-2717 (Verrelli / Greenwald / Speight / Beach / Corrado) – Requires DCF to give priority to certain school districts with student mental health counseling centers in awarding grants under School Based Youth Services Program. On June 24, this bill was passed by the Senate (39-1).  Having previously passed the General Assembly on March 1, 2021 by a vote of (68-0-2), this bill will go to the Governor for his consideration.  If Governor Murphy signs it, it will become law. 

 

S-108 / A-169 (Gill / Turner / Caputo / Wirths) – Concerns speech rights of student journalists at public schools and public institutions of higher education. This bill has been passed by both houses.  On March 5, 2020, it passed the Senate unanimously(40-0).  This week, the bill cleared the General Assembly on June 24th by a vote of (74-0-0).  The bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration and, if signed, will become law. 

 

S-969 / A-2687 (Ruiz / Turner / Mazzeo / Lampitt / Moen) – Establishes loan redemption program for teachers in certain fields to redeem loan amounts received under New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students Loan Program through employment in certain low performing schools.  This bill has passed both houses. On March 5th, the Senate passed it by a unanimous vote of (40-0). This week, the Assembly passed it on June 24th (73-1-0).  The bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration and, if signed, will become law. 

 

S-2160 / A-5701 (Sweeney / Oroho / Singer / Carter / Lampitt / Jasey) – Creates special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law; requires annual report. This bill has passed both houses. On June 3rd, it was passed unanimously by the Senate (38-0). This week, the General Assembly took up the measure and on June 24th passed it with another unanimous vote (75-0-0).  The bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration and, if signed, will become law. 

 

S-3881 / A-5834 (Sarlo / Coughlin / Jasey) – Extends deadline for completion and filing of annual audit report of school district for 2020-2021 school year; establishes deadline for submission of Audit Summary for 2020-2021 school year. This measure passed both houses this week, with a vote in the Senate on June 21st (40-0) and a vote in the Assembly three days later on June 24th (74-0-0). The bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration and, if signed, will become law. 

 

S-3253 / A-2619 (Singleton / Ruiz / Murphy / Speight / Mukherji) – Establishes alternate route to expedite certification of teachers at early college high school programs. This bill has been passed by both houses.  On June 3rd, it passed by the Senate (37-0). Then, on Thursday of this week, the Assembly also unanimously approved the measure (74-0-0). The bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration and, if signed, will become law. 

 

A-5817/S-3852 (Tully / Swain / Benson / Lagana / Diegnan) – Revises violation and fines for approving or assigning unauthorized individuals as school bus drivers. On June 21st, this bill was passed by the Assembly (72-0-0).  On June 30th, the Senate also unanimously approved the measure (38-0) and sent it to the Governor. If Governor Murphy signs the bill, it will become law. 

 

A-5818 /S-3849 (Tully / Swain / Benson / Lagana / Diegnan) – Provides for debarment of school bus contractors for certain violations; requires certain information in pupil transportation contract bid. On June 24th, the Assembly passed this bill (75-0-0). On June 30th, the Senate also unanimously approved this measure (38-0) and sent it to the Governor.  If signed, it will become law. 

 

S-3488 (Sweeney / Gopal / O’Scanlon) – Modifies certain procedures pertaining to school district regionalization; establishes grant program for cost reimbursement of conducting regionalization feasibility studies; and provides financial incentives for regionalization.  On June 30th the Senate passed this bill  This bill has now been passed by both houses and has been sent to Governor Murphy for his consideration.  If the Governor signs this bill, it will become law. 

 

If you have questions or would like additional information about these or any other bills, please contact your NJPSA Government Relations Team.  GR Director Debra Bradleydbradley@njpsa.org or Assistant Director Jennie Lamon jlamon@njpsa.org