Both the Senate and Assembly met on Monday, March 24 for full voting sessions. A number of important measures were passed addressing a wide range of policy areas. Several were specifically relevant to education in New Jersey:
- The most notable passage was A1675 & S2078, which would give educators who left the profession an extended window to return at the same pension tier at which they left. Current law only allows this to happen within two years of departure. If signed, this measure would extend that period to 10 years for nonvested members and 15 for vested members (or those who were laid off). It achieved final passage in the Senate and now moves to the Governor’s desk. This bill was a part of the bill package put forth by former Assemblywoman (and Education Chairwoman) Lampitt to address the teacher shortage, and she made it a priority before her retirement to see it cross the finish line.
- Another bill to achieve final passage was S1548 & A1028, which would require school districts to develop a policy for students’ use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing The bill’s purpose is to allow better access for children to sun protection. The bill stipulates that the policy will not require a doctor’s note or require school personnel to assist in application. The policy may, however, require written permission from a parent or guardian. This bill achieved final passage in the Assembly and is also headed for the Governor’s desk.
- The Senate passed S3982, which is intended to improve the IEP process. The bill requires that parents/guardians receive certain information at least 2 days prior to an IEP meeting and establishes an IEP Working Group in the Department of Education to provide recommendations to the department regarding methods to improve the development and implementation of IEPs and to ensure parental involvement in the process. NJ PSA has been engaged with the sponsors since inception and government relations staff will continue to push for meaningful, practicable advancements. The bill now awaits consideration in the Assembly Education Committee.
- The Senate passed S4162, which would place clear limitations on access to waivers pertaining to the recent FAFSA requirements. The bill would clarify and restrict who has access to individually identifying information on any waivers filled out as a part of that process. This bill now awaits consideration in the Assembly Education Committee as well.
- The Senate also passed S3447, which would establish a Special Education Transportation Task Force. If established, the task force would study and make recommendations on best practices for the transportation of students who receive special education and related services, including identifying and responding to medical and behavioral emergencies experienced by said students. This bill now awaits consideration by the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee.
- The Assembly passed A3340, which would clarify that a physician assistant is among the healthcare professionals who can provide documentation to a school district for a student’s need for home instruction due to a health condition. This bill now awaits consideration in the Senate Education Committee.
The complete Senate and Assembly voting lists may be found here: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/live-proceedings/2025-03-24-13:00:00/S/Session and here: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/live-proceedings/2025-03-24-13:00:00/A/Session. If you have any questions please reach out to the Government Relations team.