Today, Governor Phil Murphy took action on several pieces of legislation. The following two education-related bills were signed into law:
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.
The new law would require school districts to revise their written policies concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student athletes and cheerleaders to include information from the Center for Disease Control’s six-step “Return to Play Progression” guidance.
Under the new statute, per CDC guidance, students who sustain a concussion or other head injury should not return to competition or practice until they first return to regular school activities and no longer experience symptoms of the injury while in school. The policy must also require that students be evaluated by a physician and receive clearance from their doctor before returning to competition or practice.
This act takes effect immediately.
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
The pilot program established under this new law authorizes the issuance of a limited certificate of eligibility with advanced standing (CEAS) and a limited certificate of eligibility (CE). Individuals who hold a limited CEAS or a CE would only be eligible to be hired at certain schools which must receive approval by the Commissioner of Education.
Schools must submit an application to the commissioner, demonstrating the sufficient capability to provide support for new teachers. The application must also demonstrate a demographic disparity between the district’s or school’s student population and teaching staff, a shortage of bilingual education teachers, a critical need to fill teacher vacancies or hardship caused by teacher vacancies.
This Act takes effect immediately.