reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41a - Schools required to have automated external defibrillator.

18A:40-41a Schools required to have automated external defibrillator.
1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, beginning on September 1, 2014, the board of education of a public school district and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall ensure that:
(1) each public or nonpublic school has an automated external defibrillator, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-24), which is made available in an unlocked location on school property with an appropriate identifying sign. The defibrillator shall be accessible during the school day and any other time when a school-sponsored athletic event or team practice is taking place in which pupils of the district or nonpublic school are participating. The defibrillator shall be within reasonable proximity of the school athletic field or gymnasium, as applicable;
(2) a team coach, licensed athletic trainer, or other designated staff member if there is no coach or licensed athletic trainer, who is present during the athletic event or team practice, is trained in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-25). A school district or nonpublic school shall be deemed to be in compliance with this requirement if a State-certified emergency services provider or other certified first responder is on site at the event or practice; and
(3) each defibrillator is tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location in accordance with section 3 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-25).
b. A school district or nonpublic school and its employees shall be immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of defibrillators pursuant to the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1999, c.34 (C.2A:62A-27).
L.2012, c.51, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41b - Emergency action plan.

18A:40-41b Emergency action plan.
2. a. The board of education of a public school district and the governing body or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school that includes any of the grades kindergarten through 12 shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for responding to a sudden cardiac event including, but not limited to, an event in which the use of an automated external defibrillator may be necessary.
b. The emergency action plan shall be consistent with the provisions of section 1 of this act and also, at minimum, include the following:
(1) a list of no less than five school employees, team coaches, or licensed athletic trainers who hold current certifications from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health and Senior Services, in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and in the use of a defibrillator. The list shall be updated, as necessary, at least once in each semester of the school year; and
(2) detailed procedures on responding to a sudden cardiac event including, but not limited to, the identification of the persons in the school who will be responsible for: responding to the person experiencing the sudden cardiac event, calling 911, starting cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, retrieving and using the defibrillator, and assisting emergency responders in getting to the individual experiencing the sudden cardiac event.
L.2012, c.51, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41c - Rules, regulations.

18A:40-41c Rules, regulations.
3. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, and in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act.
L.2012, c.51, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41e - Short title.

18A:40-41e Short title.
1. Sections 2 through 5 of P.L.2013, c.209 (C.18A:40-41f through C.18A:40-41i) and P.L.2007, c.125 (C.18A:40-41) shall be known and may be cited as the "Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act."
L.2013, c.209, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41f - Definition.

18A:40-41f Definition.
2. As used in sections 3 through 5 of P.L.2013, c.209 (C.18A:40-41g through C.18A:40-41i), "athletic activity" means: interscholastic athletics; an athletic contest or competition, other than interscholastic athletics, that is sponsored by or associated with a school district or nonpublic school, including cheerleading and club-sponsored sports activities; and any practice or interschool practice or scrimmage for those activities.
L.2013, c.209, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41g - Informational meeting.

18A:40-41g Informational meeting.
3. A school district or nonpublic school may hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for students-athletes, their parents or guardians, coaches, athletic trainers, the school physician, school nurses, and other school officials on the nature, risk, symptoms and early warning signs, prevention, and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.
L.2013, c.209, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41h - Removal of athlete showing warning signs from activity; violations, penalties.

18A:40-41h Removal of athlete showing warning signs from activity; violations, penalties.
4. a. A student who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, as determined by an athletic trainer if one is on site, or if an athletic trainer is not on site, then a game official, team coach, licensed physician, or other official designated by the student's school, while participating in an athletic activity, shall be immediately removed from the athletic activity by the coach. The student shall not be eligible to return to athletic activity until he is evaluated and receives written clearance from a licensed physician.
b. A student who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest at any time prior to or following an athletic activity shall be prohibited from participating in an athletic activity. The student shall not be eligible to return to athletic activity until he is evaluated and receives written clearance from a licensed physician.
c. The board of education of a school district or the governing body or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school, as appropriate, shall ensure that a person who coaches a school district or nonpublic school athletic activity who knowingly violates the provisions of subsection a. or b. of this section shall be:
(1) suspended from coaching any athletic activity for the remainder of the season for a first violation;
(2) suspended from coaching any athletic activity for the remainder of the season and the entire next season for a second violation; and
(3) permanently suspended from coaching any athletic activity for a third violation.
L.2013, c.209, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41i - Certification required for coaches.

18A:40-41i Certification required for coaches.
5. A person who coaches a school district or nonpublic school athletic activity shall hold a current certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health.
L.2013, c.209, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41j - Nonprofit youth-serving organizations encouraged to promulgate information protocol.

18A:40-41j Nonprofit youth-serving organizations encouraged to promulgate information protocol.
6. All nonprofit youth-serving organizations as defined in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.432 (C.15A:3A-1) including, but not limited to, Little Leagues, Babe Ruth Leagues, Pop Warner Leagues, Police Athletic Leagues, and youth soccer leagues, which organize, sponsor, or are otherwise affiliated with youth athletic events, are encouraged to:
a. direct the parent or guardian of each child participating in a youth athletic event to the sudden cardiac arrest information posted on the Department of Education's website pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2007, c.125 (C.18A:40-41); and
b. follow the protocol concerning removal-from-play established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2013, c.209 (C.18A:40-41h) of a child who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest during a youth athletic event, or who exhibits symptoms or early warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest at any time prior to or following a youth athletic event.
L.2013, c.209, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.1 - Findings, declarations relative to head injuries of student athletes.

18A:40-41.1 Findings, declarations relative to head injuries of student athletes.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. A concussion is caused by a blow or motion to the head or body that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, and can cause significant and sustained neuropsychological impairments including, but not limited to, problem solving, planning, memory, and behavioral problems;
b. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 concussions are sustained during sports-related activity in the United States, and more than 62,000 concussions are sustained each year in high-school contact sports;
c. Although concussions are one of the most commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities, little effort and resources have been committed to inform athletes, coaches, and parents and guardians about the causes and symptoms of concussions;
d. If a person sustains a second concussion while still having symptoms of a previous concussion, it can lead to the severe impairment and even the death of the victim, and is referred to as second-impact syndrome; and
e. In order to ensure the safety of student-athletes, it is imperative that athletes, coaches, and parents and guardians are educated about the nature and treatment of concussions and other sports-related head injuries, and that all measures are taken to prevent a student-athlete from experiencing second-impact syndrome.
L.2010, c.94, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.2 - Athletic head injury safety training program.

18A:40-41.2 Athletic head injury safety training program.
2. a. The Department of Education shall work to develop and implement, by the 2011-2012 school year, an athletic head injury safety training program. The program shall be completed by a school physician, a person who coaches a public school district or nonpublic school interscholastic sport, intramural sport, or cheerleading program, and an athletic trainer involved in a public or nonpublic school interscholastic sports program, intramural sports program, or cheerleading program. The safety training program shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:
(1) the recognition of the symptoms of head and neck injuries, concussions, and injuries related to second-impact syndrome; and
(2) the appropriate amount of time to delay the return to competition or practice of a student-athlete or cheerleader who has sustained a concussion or other head injury.
b. The department shall update the safety training program as necessary to ensure that it reflects the most current information available on the nature, risk, and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries.
c. The department shall develop an educational fact sheet that provides information about sports-related concussions and other head injuries. A school district or a nonpublic school that participates in an interscholastic sports program, intramural sports program, or cheerleading program shall distribute the educational fact sheet annually to the parents or guardians of student-athletes and cheerleaders and shall obtain a signed acknowledgment of the receipt of the fact sheet by the student-athlete or cheerleader and his parent or guardian.
d. As used in P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.1 et seq.), "student-athlete" means any student enrolled in a public or nonpublic school in this State who is a participant in an interscholastic sports program or intramural sports program organized by the school.
L.2010, c.94, s.2; amended 2011, c.168, s.1; 2017, c.105, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.2a - Athletic head injury safety training program revision.

18A:40-41.2a Athletic head injury safety training program revision.
1. Within 180 days of the effective date of P.L.2021, c.222 (C.18A:40-41.2a et al.), the Department of Education shall revise the athletic head injury safety training program established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.2) to include information on the graduated, six-step "Return to Play Progression" recommendations developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The department shall revise the athletic head injury safety program established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.2) whenever the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changes or otherwise updates the "Return to Play Progression" recommendations.
L.2021, c.222, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.3 - Written policy for school district concerning prevention, treatment of sports-related head injuries.

18A:40-41.3 Written policy for school district concerning prevention, treatment of sports-related head injuries.
3. a. Each school district shall develop a written policy concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athletes and cheerleaders. The policy shall include, but need not be limited to, the procedure to be followed when it is suspected that a student-athlete or cheerleader has sustained a concussion or other head injury. When developing the district policy, a school district shall review the model policy established by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the policies established by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the recommendations made by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey Concussion in Sports Steering Committee, the Athletic Trainers' Society of New Jersey, and other organizations with expertise in the area of preventing or treating sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athletes and cheerleaders. Each school district shall implement the policy by the 2011-2012 school year.
The policy shall be reviewed annually, and updated as necessary, by the district to ensure that it reflects the most current information available on the prevention, risk, and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries.
b. To assist school districts in developing policies concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athletes and cheerleaders, the Commissioner of Education shall develop a model policy applicable to grades kindergarten through 12. This model policy shall be issued no later than March 31, 2011.
L.2010, c.94, s.3; amended 2011, c.168, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.3a - School district revision of written policy about prevention, treatment of sports-related head injuries.

18A:40-41.3a School district revision of written policy about prevention, treatment of sports-related head injuries.
2. In the 2021-2022 school year, a school district shall revise its written policy concerning the prevention and treatment of sports-related concussions and other head injuries among student-athletes and cheerleaders established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.3) to include the graduated, six-step "Return to Play Progression" recommendations developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A school district shall revise its written policy established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.3) whenever the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changes or otherwise updates the "Return to Play Progression" recommendations.
L.2021, c.222, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.4 - Removal of student-athlete from competition, practice; return.

18A:40-41.4 Removal of student-athlete from competition, practice; return.
4. A student who participates in an interscholastic sports program, intramural sports program, or cheerleading program and who sustains or is suspected of having sustained a concussion or other head injury while engaged in a competition or practice shall be immediately removed from the competition or practice. A student-athlete or cheerleader who is removed from competition or practice shall not participate in further sports or cheerleading activity until:
a. the student-athlete or cheerleader is evaluated by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions, and receives written clearance from a physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions to return to competition or practice; and
b. the student-athlete or cheerleader returns to regular school activities and is no longer experiencing symptoms of the injury when conducting those activities.
The return of a student-athlete or cheerleader to competition or practice shall be in accordance with the graduated, six-step "Return to Play Progression" recommendations and any subsequent changes or other updates to those recommendations as developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
L.2010, c.94, s.4; amended 2011, c.168, s.3; 2017, c.105, s.2; 2021, c.222, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.5 - Immunity from liability.

18A:40-41.5 Immunity from liability.
5. a. A school district and nonpublic school shall not be liable for the injury or death of a person due to the action or inaction of persons employed by, or under contract with, a youth sports team organization that operates on school grounds, if the youth sports team organization provides the district or nonpublic school, as applicable, with the following:
(1) proof of an insurance policy of an amount of not less than $50,000 per person, per occurrence insuring the youth sports team organization against liability for any bodily injury suffered by a person; and
(2) a statement of compliance with the school district or nonpublic school's policies for the management of concussions and other head injuries.
b. As used in this section, a "youth sports team organization" means one or more sports teams organized pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter or which are member teams in a league organized by or affiliated with a county or municipal recreation department.
L.2010, c.94, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.8 - Findings, declarations relative to protective eyeware for children participating in sports.

18A:40-41.8 Findings, declarations relative to protective eyeware for children participating in sports.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Eye injuries are the leading cause of preventable blindness and visual impairment in children, and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related;
b. Every 16 minutes a child incurs a sports-related eye injury severe enough to require a visit to the emergency room;
c. According to Prevent Blindness America, 90% of all eye injuries can be avoided by the use of appropriate eye protection; and
d. It is necessary and prudent to educate parents and children about sports-related eye injuries in order to reduce the needless loss of sight that can occur during sports activities.
L.2013, c.183, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.9 - Development of educational fact sheet providing information relative to sports-related eye injuries.

18A:40-41.9 Development of educational fact sheet providing information relative to sports-related eye injuries.
2. a. The Commissioner of Education shall develop within 120 days of the effective date of this act, an educational fact sheet that provides information about sports-related eye injuries. The educational fact sheet shall include, but need not be limited to:
(1) a list of the most common sports-related eye injuries and the recognition of the symptoms of those injuries;
(2) a recommendation that children seek treatment and advice from a licensed health care professional regarding the appropriate amount of time to delay the return to sports competition or practice after sustaining an eye injury;
(3) a recommendation that all children participating in school sports or recreational sports wear protective eyewear;
(4) information concerning the purchase of appropriate protective eyewear; and
(5) any other information the commissioner deems appropriate.
b. Each school district and nonpublic school shall distribute the educational fact sheet annually to the parents or guardians of the students.
L.2013, c.183, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.10 - Educational fact sheet relative to use, misuse of opioid drugs for sports-related injuries.

18A:40-41.10 Educational fact sheet relative to use, misuse of opioid drugs for sports-related injuries.
1. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop within 120 days of the effective date of this act, an educational fact sheet that provides information concerning the use and misuse of opioid drugs in the event that a student-athlete or cheerleader is prescribed an opioid for a sports-related injury.
b. A school district or nonpublic school that participates in an interscholastic sports program or cheerleading program shall distribute the educational fact sheet annually to the parents or guardians of student-athletes and cheerleaders and shall obtain a signed acknowledgment of the receipt of the fact sheet by the student-athlete or cheerleader and his parent or guardian.
L.2017, c.167, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.11 - Emergency action plan for responding to a serious or potentially life-threatening sport-related injury.

18A:40-41.11 Emergency action plan for responding to a serious or potentially life-threatening sport-related injury.
1. a. The board of education of a school district and the governing body or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school that includes any of the grades six through 12 shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for responding to a serious or potentially life-threatening sports-related injury. The plan shall document the proper procedures to be followed when a student sustains a serious injury while participating in sports or other athletic activity. The plan shall be specific to the activity site, and shall be developed in consultation with local emergency medical services personnel.
b. The emergency action plan established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall include, but need not be limited to, the following components:
(1) a list of the employees, team coaches, and licensed athletic trainers in each school who are trained in first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation;
(2) identification of the employees, team coaches, or licensed athletic trainers in each school who will be responsible for carrying out the emergency action plan and a description of their respective responsibilities;
(3) identification of the activity location or venue;
(4) identification of the equipment and supplies that may be needed to respond to the emergency, including the location of each item; and
(5) a description of the proper procedures to be followed after a student sustains a serious sports-related injury including, but not limited to, responding to the injured student, summoning emergency medical care, assisting emergency responders in getting to the injured student, and documenting the actions taken during the emergency.
c. The emergency action plan shall be reviewed annually and updated as necessary. The plan shall be rehearsed annually in each school by the individuals who will be responsible for executing the plan in an emergency.
L.2019, c.292, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-41.12 - Rules, regulations.

18A:40-41.12 Rules, regulations.
2. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this act.
L.2019, c.292, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-42 - Educational fact sheet about HPV.

18A:40-42 Educational fact sheet about HPV.
2. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop an educational fact sheet about the human papillomavirus (HPV) for distribution to parents or guardians of students in grades seven through 12. The educational fact sheet shall include information about the causes, symptoms and means of transmission of HPV, and where additional information can be obtained.
b. For the 2007-2008 school year, a school district shall distribute to parents and guardians of students in grades seven through 12 the educational fact sheet on HPV, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.
c. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, a school district shall distribute the educational fact sheet annually to parents or guardians of students in grade seven in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.
d. The Commissioner of Education also shall make the educational fact sheet available to private schools educating students in grades seven through 12. Such schools are encouraged, but not required, to distribute the fact sheet to parents or guardians of students at the school.
L.2007, c.134, s.2; amended 2012, c.17, s.81.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-43 - Information available to certain public school students about "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act."

18A:40-43 Information available to certain public school students about "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act."
2. In the 2006-2007 school year and in each school year thereafter, each board of education which operates an educational program for public school students in grades 7 through 12 shall:
a. ensure that posters providing information on the provisions of the "New Jersey Safe Haven Infant Protection Act," P.L.2000, c.58 (C.30:4C-15.5 et al.), are prominently displayed in the school nurse's office and health education classrooms;
b. have pamphlets and other educational materials providing information about the safe haven procedures available in the guidance office of every public school with students in grades 7 through 12 for free distribution to students; and
c. utilize, for the purposes of this section, informational pamphlets, posters and other educational materials distributed by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2007, c.143 (C.30:4C-15.11).
L.2007, c.143, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-44 - Information relative to child's exposure to violence on electronic devices.

18A:40-44 Information relative to child's exposure to violence on electronic devices.
1. a. The Department of Education shall prepare and make available on the department's Internet website, both in print and in an easily printable format, information on how a parent can limit a child's exposure to violence on television, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. The department shall update this information whenever new information about a child's exposure to violence on television and other electronic devices becomes available. The information shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) research and statistics on how violent behavior increases after exposure to violent films, music, television, or video games;
(2) scientific findings that show children who play violent video games are more likely to be involved in physical altercations with classmates, perform poorly on academic tasks, and are unable to relate to adults in positions of authority;
(3) factors that increase the probability a child will be at risk of violent behavior, including, but not limited to, exposure or involvement in violence at critical stages of childhood development, poor socioeconomic conditions, and poor parenting skills;
(4) symptoms of a child's overexposure to violence, including, but not limited to, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, truancy, and difficulty in school;
(5) predictors of violent behavior in children, including but not limited to, dishonesty, disobedience, favorable attitude toward violence, hostility toward police, substance use, aggressive or antisocial behavior, and involvement in nonviolent criminal offenses; and
(6) effective strategies, based on a child's age and stage of development, that will help a parent monitor or restrict a child's exposure to violence on television and other electronic devices, including, but not limited to, the use of screening software or other technologies that prevent a child from watching television programs a parent deems inappropriate, co-viewing and commenting on television programs that depict violence, and familiarization with video game advisory labels and rating systems that make it more difficult for children to purchase and play such games.
b. The department shall prepare an informational pamphlet that contains the information posted on its website pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and shall update the pamphlet as necessary. The department shall distribute the pamphlet, at no charge, to all school districts in the State, and shall make additional copies available to nonpublic schools upon request.
c. In the 2013-2014 school year and in each school year thereafter, each school district shall distribute the pamphlet to the parents or guardians of students attending the schools of the district.
L.2013, c.146, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.34.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40-45 - Rules, regulations.

18A:40-45 Rules, regulations.
2. The Department of Education, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), shall adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2013, c.146, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-1 - Instructional programs on drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances; curriculum guidelines

18A:40A-1. Instructional programs on drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances; curriculum guidelines
Instructional programs on the nature of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2), and their physiological, psychological, sociological and legal effects on the individual, the family and society shall be taught in each public school and in each grade from kindergarten through 12 in a manner adapted to the age and understanding of the pupils. The programs shall be based upon the curriculum guidelines established by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to section 2 of this act, and shall be included in the curriculum for each grade in such a manner as to provide a thorough and comprehensive treatment of the subject.
L.1987, c.389, s.1; amended 1989,c.216,s.3; 1989,c.225,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-2 - Curriculum guidelines; annual review and updating; minimum requirements

18A:40A-2. Curriculum guidelines; annual review and updating; minimum requirements
2. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines for education programs on drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances. These guidelines shall be reviewed annually, and shall be updated as necessary to ensure that the curriculum reflects the most current information available on the nature and treatment of drug, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substance use and substance use disorder treatment. The guidelines shall provide for a sequential course of study for each grade, K-12, and shall, at a minimum, include:
a. Detailed, factual information regarding the physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of substance use;
b. Detailed information concerning the availability of help and assistance for pupils and their families with substance use disorder;
c. Decision making and coping skills; and,
d. The development of activities and attitudes which are consistent with a healthy life style.
The guidelines shall include model instructional units, shall define specific behavioral and learning objectives and shall recommend instructional materials suitable for each grade level.
L.1987, c.389, s.2; amended 1989, c.216, s.4; 1989, c.225, s.3; 2023, c.177, s.35.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-2.1 - Substance abuse instruction, review of curriculum; report.

18A:40A-2.1 Substance abuse instruction, review of curriculum; report.
1. a. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, shall review the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education to ensure that guidance for substance use instruction incorporates the most recent evidence-based standards and practices.
b. Within 120 days of the effective date of this act, the department shall issue a written report to the Governor, to the State Board of Education, and to the Legislature as provided under section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), with its determination on whether the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education adequately incorporate the most recent evidence-based standards and practices pursuant to subsection a. of this section. If the department determines that the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education need to be revised, it shall propose the revisions to the State board within 12 months of the report's submission.
L.2016, c.46, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.36.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-3 - Initial inservice training programs; curriculum; availability

18A:40A-3. Initial inservice training programs; curriculum; availability
3. a. Upon completion of the curriculum guidelines required pursuant to section 2 of this act, the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall establish inservice workshops and training programs to train selected public school teachers to teach an education program on drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances. The inservice training programs may utilize existing county or regional offices, or such other institutions, agencies or persons as the Commissioner of Education deems appropriate. The programs and workshops shall provide instructional preparation for the teaching of the drug, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances curriculum, and shall, in addition to the curriculum material, include information on the history, pharmacology, physiology and psychosocial aspects of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances, symptomatic behavior associated with substance use, the availability of rehabilitation and treatment programs, and the legal aspects of substance use. Each local board of education shall provide time for the inservice training during the usual school schedule in order to ensure that appropriate teaching staff members are prepared to teach the education program in each grade in each school district.
b. Upon completion of the initial inservice training program, the Commissioner of Education shall ensure that programs and workshops that reflect the most current information on substance use are prepared and are made available to teaching staff members at regular intervals.
c. In addition to providing inservice training programs for teaching staff members who will provide instruction on substance use disorder in the public schools, the Commissioner of Education shall make these training programs available to such other instructional and supervisory personnel as the commissioner deems necessary and appropriate.
L.1987, c.389, s.3; amended 1989, c.216, s.5; 1989, c.225, s.4; 2023, c.177, s.37.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-4 - Preservice training

18A:40A-4. Preservice training
4. In addition to the provisions for inservice training established pursuant to this act, the commissioner shall ensure that the preservice training of individuals intending to enter the teaching profession provides for an adequate treatment of the subject of substance use.
No certificate to teach in the public schools shall be issued to any teaching staff member who has not passed a satisfactory examination in (1) physiology and hygiene; and (2) substance use issues which includes material on the physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of substance use, methods of educating students on the negative effects of substance use, and intervention strategies for dealing with students engaged in substance use.
1987, c. 389, s.4; amended 2023, c.177, s.38.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-5 - Loaning of educational materials

18A:40A-5. Loaning of educational materials
The board of education in each school district in the State in which a nonpublic school is located shall have the power and duty to loan to all pupils attending nonpublic schools located within the district all educational materials developed by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to this act for the instruction of public school pupils on the nature and effects of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances. The Commissioner of Education shall make these materials available so that the local board of education shall not be required to expend funds for the loan of these materials.
L.1987, c.389, s.5; amended 1989,c.216,s.6; 1989,c.225,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-6 - Evaluation

18A:40A-6. Evaluation
The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall establish and administer a system for the evaluation of the effectiveness of instructional programs established pursuant to this act. Programs which are shown to be effective shall be made available to other school districts throughout the State.
1987, c. 389, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-7 - Rules, regulations

18A:40A-7. Rules, regulations
The State Board of Education shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this act.
1987, c. 389, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-7.2 - Violations, penalties

18A:40A-7.2. Violations, penalties
2. Except as provided by section 6 of P.L.1971, c.437 (C.9:6-8.13), a person who discloses or willfully permits the disclosure of information provided by a pupil in violation of the provisions of section 1 of this act is subject to a fine of not more than $500 for a first offense and not more than $5,000 for a second and each subsequent offense. The penalty shall be collected and enforced in summary proceedings under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.).
L.1997,c.362,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-8 - Findings, declarations

18A:40A-8. Findings, declarations
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. A significant number of young people are unfortunately already involved in the use of alcohol and other drugs;
b. Research indicates that particular groups of youngsters, such as the children of parents who have alcohol use disorder, may in fact face an increased risk of developing alcohol and other substance use problems and that early intervention services can be critical in their prevention, detection, and treatment; and,
c. School-based initiatives have proven particularly effective in identifying and assisting students at a high risk of developing alcohol and other drug disturbances and in reducing absenteeism, decreasing the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and in lessening the problems associated with substance use disorders.
1987, c.387, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.40.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-9 - Definitions

18A:40A-9. Definitions
2. For the purposes of this act:
"Substance" shall mean alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.266 (C.24:21-2), anabolic steroids or any chemical or chemical compound which releases vapors or fumes causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction or dulling of the brain or nervous system including, but not limited to, glue containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes as defined in section 1 of P.L.1965, c.41 (C.2A:170-25.9).
"Substance use " shall mean the consumption or use of any substance as defined herein for purposes other than for the treatment of sickness or injury as prescribed or administered by a person duly authorized by law to treat sick and injured human beings.
L.1987, c.387, s.2; amended 1989, c.216, s.1; 2023, c.177, s.41.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-10 - Referral program in schools

18A:40A-10. Referral program in schools
3. Each local board of education shall, pursuant to guidelines developed by the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, establish a comprehensive substance use intervention, prevention and treatment referral program in the public elementary and secondary schools of the district. The purpose of the program shall be to identify pupils who use substances, assess the extent of these pupils' involvement with these substances and, where appropriate, refer pupils and their families to organizations and agencies approved by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services to offer competent professional treatment. Treatment shall not be at the expense of the local board of education.
Each school district shall develop a clear written policy statement which outlines the district's program to combat substance use and which provides for the identification, evaluation, referral for treatment and discipline of pupils who use substances . Copies of the policy statement shall be distributed to pupils and their parents at the beginning of each school year.
1987, c.387, s.3; amended 2023, c.177, s.42.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-11 - Policies for evaluations, referral, discipline.

18A:40A-11. Policies for evaluations, referral, discipline.
4. Each board of education shall adopt and implement, in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the State board, policies and procedures for the evaluation, referral for treatment and discipline of pupils involved in incidents of possession or use of substances as defined in section 2 of this act, on school property or at school functions, or who show significant symptoms of the use of those substances on school property or at school functions. In adopting and implementing these policies and procedures, the board shall consult and work closely with a local organization involved with the prevention, detection and treatment of substance use disorder approved by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services.
1987, c.387, s.4; amended 2023, c.177, s.43.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-13 - Immunity for personnel.

18A:40A-13 Immunity for personnel.
6. No action of any kind in any court of competent jurisdiction shall lie against any teaching staff member, including a student assistance coordinator, any school nurse or other educational personnel, medical inspector, examining physician or any other officer, agent or any employee of the board of education or personnel of the emergency room of a hospital because of any action taken by virtue of the provisions of this act, provided the skill and care given is that ordinarily required and exercised by other such teaching staff members, nurses, educational personnel, medical inspectors, physicians or other officers, agents, or any employees of the board of education or emergency room personnel.
L.1987, c.387, s.6; amended 1992, c.158, s.1; 2009, c.54, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-14 - Civil immunity for reporting.

18A:40A-14 Civil immunity for reporting.
7. Any teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, school nurse, student assistance coordinator or other educational or noneducational personnel, employed by or in any of the public or private schools of this State, who in good faith reports a pupil to the principal or his designee or to the medical inspector or school physician or school nurse in an attempt to help such pupil cure his abuse of substances as defined in section 2 of this act, shall not be liable in civil damages as a result of making any such report.
Nothing in this section is intended to preclude the protections provided in section 2 of P.L.1971, c.414 (C.2A:62A-4) or otherwise provided by law.
L.1987, c.387, s.7; amended 1992, c.158, s.2; 2009, c.54, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:40A-15 - Inservice training program

18A:40A-15. Inservice training program
8. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, shall develop an inservice training program for public school teachers to enable the teachers to recognize and respond to substance use by public school pupils. The program shall, at a minimum, include:
(1) Instruction to assist the teacher in the identification of the symptoms and behavioral patterns which might indicate that a child may be involved in substance use;
(2) Appropriate intervention strategies; and,
(3) Information on the State, local and community organizations which are available for the prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals who show symptoms of substance use.
The inservice training program required pursuant to this section shall be updated at regular intervals in order to ensure that teaching staff members have the most current information available on this subject.
b. Each local board of education shall ensure that all teaching staff members in the district who are involved in the instruction of pupils are provided with the inservice training program developed pursuant to this section. The inservice training program of the local board of education shall also include information concerning the policy of the board regarding the referral for treatment of pupils with substance use disorder, as required pursuant to section 5 of this act.
1987, c. 387, s.8; amended 2023, c.177, s.45.