reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:35-40 - Findings, declarations relative to civics education in public schools.

18A:35-40 Findings, declarations relative to civics education in public schools.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. New Jersey law requires school districts to provide a two-year course of United States history in high school, which is supposed to include curriculum on civics, economics, and the history of the State of New Jersey; however, most school districts' curricula focus solely on a chronology of United States history in meeting this statutory requirement;
b. New Jersey law also requires school districts to adopt a course of study about New Jersey history, geography, and community civics in an elementary grade; however, there are no social studies requirements for middle school;
c. Civic literacy and engagement are essential to maintaining a representative democracy;
d. Unlike 40 other states, New Jersey does not require school districts to provide a specific course in civics;
e. By age 10, students possess the higher order thinking skills necessary for a rigorous, reflective course in civics;
f. Independent studies conclude that well-designed civics education fosters an understanding and appreciation of democracy and the skills needed for participation in a democratic society;
g. Requiring students to complete a civics course in middle school will ensure that all New Jersey students have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills for active citizenship;
h. Professional development for teachers is critical to ensure effective classroom instruction; and
i. The New Jersey Center for Civic Education at Rutgers, The State University has substantial expertise and 30 years of experience providing professional development, sample curricula, and resources for New Jersey teachers.
L.2021, c.185, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:35-41 - Provision of course of study in civics.

18A:35-41 Provision of course of study in civics.
3. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, each board of education shall provide a course of study in civics, which shall be taken by all students in an appropriate middle school grade. The course shall address: the values and principles underlying the American system of constitutional democracy; the function and limitations of government; and the role of a citizen in a democratic society. The board shall ensure that the course of study includes a minimum of two quarters of instruction, or the equivalent.
L.2021, c.185, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:35-42 - Provision of materials, online resources.

18A:35-42. Provision of materials, online resources.
4. The New Jersey Center for Civic Education at Rutgers, the State University shall provide a clearinghouse of materials, an online resource center, technical assistance, professional development and any other activities to encourage the integration of civics, economics, and New Jersey history in the teaching of United States history pursuant to N.J.S.18A:35-1 and N.J.S.18A:35-2 and to enhance the middle school civics course of study as required pursuant to section 3 of this act. The Legislature shall annually appropriate such sums as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act to the New Jersey Center for Civic Education at Rutgers, the State University.
L.2021, c.185, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-3 - Display of and salute to flag; pledge of allegiance

18A:36-3. Display of and salute to flag; pledge of allegiance
Every board of education shall:
(a) Procure a United States flag, flagstaff and necessary appliances therefor for each school in the district and display such flag upon or near the public school building during school hours;
(b) Procure a United States flag, flagstaff and necessary appliances or standard therefor for each assembly room and each classroom in each school, and display such flag in the assembly room and each classroom during school hours and at such other time as the board of education may deem proper; and
(c) Require the pupils in each school in the district on every school day to salute the United States flag and repeat the following pledge of allegiance to the flag: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all," which salute and pledge of allegiance shall be rendered with the right hand over the heart, except that pupils who have conscientious scruples against such pledge or salute, or are children of accredited representatives of foreign governments to whom the United States government extends diplomatic immunity, shall not be required to render such salute and pledge but shall be required to show full respect to the flag while the pledge is being given merely by standing at attention, the boys removing the headdress.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-4 - Period of silence

18A:36-4. Period of silence
Principals and teachers in each public elementary and secondary school of each school district in this State shall permit students to observe a 1 minute period of silence to be used solely at the discretion of the individual student, before the opening exercises of each school day for quiet and private contemplation or introspection.
L.1982, c. 205, s. 1, eff. Dec. 17, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-5 - "Special Education Week" designated.

18A:36-5 "Special Education Week" designated.
2. The week beginning with the second Sunday in May of each year is designated as "Special Education Week" in the State of New Jersey in order to give the citizens of this State the opportunity to recognize the contribution of public school board members, schools, and agencies for students with disabilities, educators, parents, and the students themselves, and to commend them for their dedication to ensuring quality education for students with disabilities in this State.
L.1995, c.104, s.2; amended 2017, c.131, s.25.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-5.1 - "School Violence Awareness Week"; designated.

18A:36-5.1 "School Violence Awareness Week"; designated.
2. The week beginning with the third Monday in October of each year is designated as "School Violence Awareness Week" in the State of New Jersey. School districts shall observe this week by organizing activities to prevent school violence including, but not limited to, age-appropriate opportunities for student discussion on conflict resolution, issues of student diversity, and tolerance. Law enforcement personnel shall be invited to join members of the teaching staff in the discussions. Programs shall also be provided for school board employees that are designed to help them recognize warning signs of school violence and to instruct them on recommended conduct during an incident of school violence. The Department of Education shall provide guidelines and information to boards of education for use in planning the activities in observance of the week and such funds as are necessary to pay the costs of the required activities and programs.
L.2001, c.298, s.2; amended 2007, c.42, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-6 - Observance of flag day

18A:36-6. Observance of flag day
The principals and teachers in the public schools shall make suitable arrangements for the celebration, by appropriate exercises among the pupils in the schools, of June 14 in each year, as the day of the adoption of the American flag by the Continental congress.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-7 - Designation of Arbor Day

18A:36-7. Designation of Arbor Day
For the purpose of encouraging the planting of shade and forest trees and the designation of a uniform day throughout the nation, the last Friday of April in each year is hereby designated as a day for the general observance of that purpose, and shall be known as Arbor Day.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-10 - Designation of Commodore Barry Day

18A:36-10. Designation of Commodore Barry Day
September 13 in each year shall be known as Commodore John Barry Day, except when such day shall fall on Saturday, then the day preceding, or on Sunday, then the day following.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-11 - Observance of Commodore Barry Day

18A:36-11. Observance of Commodore Barry Day
It shall be the duty of the authorities of every public school in this state to assemble the pupils in their charge on such day in the school building, or elsewhere, as they may deem proper, and to provide for and conduct such exercises or instructions as shall tend to (1) acquaint such pupils with the achievements of Commodore John Barry, "father of the American navy," and (2) honor the memory of Commodore Barry.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-13 - Patriotic exercises preceding holidays.

18A:36-13 Patriotic exercises preceding holidays.
18A:36-13. Appropriate exercises for the development of a higher spirit of patriotism shall be held in all public schools on the last school day preceding Washington's Birthday (also celebrated as President's Day), Decoration or Memorial Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.
Amended 2007, c.42, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-13.1 - Observation of certain holidays by school district.

18A:36-13.1 Observation of certain holidays by school district.
5. A school district may conduct a course of exercises or instruction in accordance with the core curriculum content standards to observe holidays, including, but not limited to, Lincoln's Birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Arbor Day.
L.2007, c.42, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-13.2 - Excused absence for certain pupils on Veterans Day.

18A:36-13.2 Excused absence for certain pupils on Veterans Day.
1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, any pupil of a public school who is absent from school on November 11, Veterans Day, attending a ceremony honoring a veteran or a member of the United States Armed Forces or the New Jersey National Guard returning from overseas deployments, or assisting a veteran at a hospital, food shelter, or any similar facility, shall have the absence for those reasons recorded as an excused absence on the pupil's attendance record or on that of any group or class of which he is a member. Any transcript, application, employment form, or any similar form on which information concerning a pupil's attendance record is requested shall show, with respect to absences, only absences other than excused absences authorized pursuant to this subsection. In making a determination on whether or not a student has a perfect attendance record for the school year, a school district shall not consider as an absence an excused absence authorized pursuant to this subsection.
b. A pupil shall provide such documentation as the superintendent or administrative principal of the school district deems necessary to prove the pupil meets the requirements for the excused absence under subsection a. of this section.
c. As used in this section, "veteran" means a person who has served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
L.2015, c.297, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-14 - Religious holidays; absence of pupils on; effect

18A:36-14. Religious holidays; absence of pupils on; effect
No pupil of any public school, who shall be absent, by reason of observance of a religious holiday, from such school at any time when the same is in session, shall by reason of such absence be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award, or of the right to take an alternate test or examination, for any which he missed by reason of such absence, if a written excuse signed by a parent of, or person standing in loco parentis to, the pupil be presented to the proper school authority.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-15 - Absence because of religious holidays as excused absence

18A:36-15. Absence because of religious holidays as excused absence
Any absence because of religious holidays shall be recorded as excused absence on the pupil's attendance record or on that of any group or class of which he is a member, and any transcript or application or employment form or any similar form on which information concerning a pupil's attendance record is requested shall show, with respect to absences, only absences other than absences excused because of religious holidays.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-16 - Rules regarding religious holidays

18A:36-16. Rules regarding religious holidays
The commissioner, with the approval of the state board, shall prescribe rules relative to absences for religious holidays including, but not limited to, a list of holidays on which it shall be mandatory to excuse a pupil, but nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit the right of any board of education, at its discretion, to excuse absence on any other day by reason of the observance of a religious holiday.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-17 - Credit of seniors in active military and naval service, etc.

18A:36-17. Credit of seniors in active military and naval service, etc.
Any pupil or student who has completed or shall complete the work of the junior year in any of the public high schools or educational institutions and who heretofore and subsequent to July 1, 1940, entered, or hereafter in time of war, shall enter the active military or naval service of the United States or the active service of the United States merchant marine or the active service of the women's army corps, the women's reserve of the naval reserve or any similar organization authorized by the United States to serve with the army or navy, or the active military or naval service of the Dominion of Canada, or who in time of emergency heretofore entered or hereafter shall serve on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, and who continued or shall continue to attend the regular sessions in any of the public high schools or educational institutions until 21 days prior to such entry and whose school work has been satisfactory until 21 days prior to such entry, shall be given credit for the work of the complete senior year without examination, and shall be entitled to and receive the diploma, certificate, degree, or other credentials or standings awarded to those pupils or students of the school or institution who have satisfactorily completed the work of the said senior year.
As used in this section the term "in time of emergency" shall mean and include any time after June 23, 1950, and prior to the termination, suspension or revocation of the proclamation of the existence of a national emergency issued by the president of the United States on December 16, 1950, or termination of the existence of such national emergency by appropriate action of the president or congress of the United States.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-18 - Books containing organic laws at graduation

18A:36-18. Books containing organic laws at graduation
The board of education of every school district shall have printed and suitably bound in book form, copies of the Declaration of Independence, the constitution of the United States and the amendments thereto, and the constitution of the state of New Jersey and the amendments thereto, and a copy of such book shall be presented to each pupil upon his graduation from any elementary school.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-19 - Pupil records; creation, maintenance and retention, security and access; regulations; nonliability

18A:36-19. Pupil records; creation, maintenance and retention, security and access; regulations; nonliability
The State Board of Education shall provide by regulation for the creation, maintenance and retention of pupil records and for the security thereof and access thereto, to provide general protection for the right of the pupil to be supplied with necessary information about herself or himself, the right of the parent or guardian and the adult pupil to be supplied with full information about the pupil, except as may be inconsistent with reasonable protection of the persons involved, the right of both pupil and parent or guardian to reasonable privacy as against other persons and the opportunity for the public schools to have the data necessary to provide a thorough and efficient educational system for all pupils.
No liability shall attach to any member, officer or employee of any board of education for the furnishing of any pupil records consistent with this act and the regulations adopted hereunder.
L.1967, c.271; amended by L.1977, c. 346, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-19a - Student records.

18A:36-19a Student records.
1. The chief school administrator or the administrator's designee of any local school district that enrolls a new student shall request, in writing, the student's records from the school district of last attendance within two weeks from the date that the student enrolls in the new school district. The school district of last attendance shall provide to the receiving district all information in the student's record related to disciplinary actions taken against the student by the district and notify the receiving district, in writing, if it has obtained any information pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-60) or section 1 of P.L.2009, c.157 (C.2C:43-5.1). If the receiving district, after having requested in writing the student's records from the school district of last attendance, does not receive those records, it shall use every available means to obtain the records. If the school district of last attendance does not receive a written request for the student's records within two weeks of the student's transfer, it shall use every available means to determine which local school district the student has enrolled in, and to send the student's records, including any information received regarding criminal history pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-60) or section 1 of P.L.2009, c.157 (C.2C:43-5.1), to that district.
Written consent of the parent or adult student shall not be required as a condition of transfer of this information; however, written notice of the transfer shall be provided to the parent or adult student. Additionally, the school district shall obtain proper identification of any new student such as a certified copy of the student's certificate of birth.
L.1986, c.160, s.1; amended 2002, c.63, s.1; 2009, c.157, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-19.1 - Military recruitment in public schools

18A:36-19.1. Military recruitment in public schools
Local school districts in New Jersey are directed to establish policies which would provide military recruiters the same access to school facilities and student information directories that is provided to educational and occupational recruiters pursuant to regulations adopted by the State Board of Education pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.). These regulations shall be adopted within 180 days of the effective date of this act. The policies should be consistent with State and federal right to privacy laws.
L. 1985, c. 51, s. 1, eff. Feb. 21, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-19.2 - School locker inspection

18A:36-19.2. School locker inspection
The principal or other official designated by the local board of education may inspect lockers or other storage facilities provided for use by students so long as students are informed in writing at the beginning of each school year that inspections may occur.
L. 1985, c. 198, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-20 - Discrimination; prohibition

18A:36-20. Discrimination; prohibition
No pupil in a public school in this State shall be discriminated against in admission to, or in obtaining any advantages, privileges or courses of study of the school by reason of race, color, creed, sex or national origin.
L.1973, c. 380, s. 1, eff. Jan. 14, 1974.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-21 - Field trips; costs to be borne by parents or guardians, exceptions, financial hardship

18A:36-21. Field trips; costs to be borne by parents or guardians, exceptions, financial hardship
Any board of education may authorize field trips for which all or part of the costs are borne by the pupils' parents or legal guardians, with the exception of pupils in special education classes and pupils with financial hardship. In determining financial hardship the criteria shall be the same as the Statewide eligibility standards for free and reduced price meals under the State school lunch program (N.J.A.C. 6:79-1.1 et seq.).
L.1980, c. 49, s. 1, eff. June 26, 1980.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-22 - "Field trip" defined

18A:36-22. "Field trip" defined
As used in this act "field trip" means a journey by a group of pupils, away from the school premises, under the supervision of a teacher.
L.1980, c. 49, s. 2, eff. June 26, 1980.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-23 - No student prohibited from attending field trip

18A:36-23. No student prohibited from attending field trip
No student shall be prohibited from attending a field trip due to inability to pay the fee regardless of whether or not they have met the financial hardship requirements set forth in section 1 of this act.
L.1980, c. 49, s. 3, eff. June 26, 1980.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-24 - Missing children; legislative findings and declarations

18A:36-24. Missing children; legislative findings and declarations
The legislature finds and declares:
a. That there is a growing recognition of the prevalence and consequences of child abuse.
b. That the removal of children from school constitutes a deprivation in itself and may be an indicator of even more grievous abuses.
c. That the public schools can and should provide an early warning to the appropriate authorities when a child appears to be missing from the educational system.
L.1984, c. 228, s. 1, eff. Dec. 28, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25 - Early detection of missing and abused children; policies of school districts

18A:36-25. Early detection of missing and abused children; policies of school districts
All school districts shall be required to establish policies designed to provide for the early detection of missing and abused children. These policies shall include provisions for the notification of the appropriate law enforcement and child welfare authorities when a potential missing or abused child situation is detected. This provision shall be complied with no later than March 1, 1985.
L.1984, c. 228, 2, eff. Dec. 28, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.1 - Certified copy of birth certificate required for enrollment in school, records

18A:36-25.1. Certified copy of birth certificate required for enrollment in school, records
4. a. When a child is enrolled in a school district for the first time, the superintendent shall require the child's parent or legal guardian to provide a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or other proof of the child's identity, within 30 days of enrollment. If the child's parent or legal guardian refuses to comply with the requirement in this section, the superintendent shall notify the parent or guardian, in writing, that the matter will be referred to a law enforcement agency if the proof of identity is not provided within 10 days of the notice.
b. When a child transfers from one school district to another, the receiving school district shall obtain the child's school record from the district from which the child has transferred, within 14 days of enrollment. The school district of last attendance shall provide to the receiving district all information in the child's record related to disciplinary actions taken against the child by the district and notify the receiving district if it has obtained any information pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1982, c.79 (C.2A:4A-60). Written consent of the parent or adult pupil shall not be required as a condition of transfer of this information; however, written notice of the transfer shall be provided to the parent or adult pupil If the record has been marked pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.395 (C.52:17B-9.8b), the transferring school district shall forward the record to the receiving school district and immediately notify the Missing Persons Unit in the Department of Law and Public Safety established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1983, c.467 (C.52:17B-9.7).
L.1995,c.395,s.4; amended 2002, c.63, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.2 - Investigation, reporting of certain pupil absences, transfers.

18A:36-25.2 Investigation, reporting of certain pupil absences, transfers.
1. a. If any child enrolled in a school district has an unexcused absence from school for five consecutive school days, the attendance officer of the district shall investigate the absence and notify the district superintendent of the absence. In the event the investigation leads the district superintendent to have reasonable cause to believe the child has been abused or neglected as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21), the district superintendent shall then notify the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families for its determination of whether the division is or has been involved with the child and whether action, as appropriate, is warranted.
b. When a child's parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child notifies a school district that the child will be withdrawing from the district and transferring to another school district, the principal of the school from which the child is withdrawing shall request that the parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child provide the principal with the name and location of the school district in which the child will subsequently be enrolled and the expected date of enrollment. The principal shall provide the information supplied by the parent, guardian, or other person having charge and control of the child to the district superintendent. Five school days following the expected date of enrollment, the superintendent of the district of last attendance shall contact the school district in which the child is to be subsequently enrolled to determine if the child has enrolled in the district. If the child has not been so enrolled, the attendance officer of the transfer district shall investigate the failure to enroll and notify the superintendent of the transfer district of the failure to enroll. In the event the investigation leads the superintendent of the transfer district to have reasonable cause to believe the child has been abused or neglected as defined in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21), the superintendent of the transfer district shall then notify the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families for its determination of whether the division is or has been involved with the child and whether action, as appropriate, is warranted. If the child has been so enrolled, the district of last attendance and the transfer district shall arrange for the transfer of the child's records in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1986, c.160 (C.18A:36-19a) and subsection b. of section 4 of P.L.1995, c.395 (C.18A:36-25.1).
c. School district policies for the early detection of missing and abused children required pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1984, c.228 (C.18A:36-25) shall include provisions to implement the requirements of this section.
L.2007, c.248, s.1; amended 2012, c.16, s.42.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.3 - Rules, regulations.

18A:36-25.3 Rules, regulations.
2. The Commissioner of Education, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), and in consultation with the Commissioner of Children and Families shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.2007, c.248, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.5 - Findings, declarations relative to child abduction.

18A:36-25.5 Findings, declarations relative to child abduction.
2. The Legislature finds and declares that when a child is abducted, the first few hours are absolutely critical in the recovery process; that the unexplained absence of a pupil from school can be a significant early warning sign of abduction; that although stranger abductions are rare, an efficient system of communication between school administrators and parents regarding a student's unexplained absence must be incorporated by our public school districts into their attendance systems; and that the benefits of this requirement will be realized even if only one child is saved as a result.
L.2012, c.74, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.6 - Report of absence.

18A:36-25.6 Report of absence.
3. a. Whenever a pupil enrolled in a public school district will be absent from school, the pupil's parent or guardian shall notify the principal or the principal's designee.
b. If a pupil is determined to be absent without valid excuse from a public school, and if the reason for the student's absence is unknown to school personnel, the principal or the principal's designee shall immediately attempt to contact the pupil's parent or guardian to notify the parent or guardian of the absence and to determine the reason for the absence.
L.2012, c.74, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.7 - Task force on the prevention of, response to sexual abuse of children.

18A:36-25.7 Task force on the prevention of, response to sexual abuse of children.
1. a. There is established within the Department of Education a task force on the prevention of, and response to, sexual abuse of children. The purpose of the task force shall be to study and make recommendations for reducing the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse in the State, including recommendations for school policies and training concerning child sexual abuse prevention and response.
b. The task force shall consist of the following 17 members:
(1) the Commissioner of Education, or a designee;
(2) the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families, or a designee;
(3) the President of the State Board of Education, or a designee; and
(4) 14 public members appointed by the Governor, in consultation with the Department of Education, who shall include the following:
(a) a representative from: the New Jersey School Boards Association; a New Jersey teachers union; the New Jersey Association of School Administrators; the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey; New Jersey Child Assault Prevention (NJCAP); the New Jersey Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers; and the New Jersey Children's Alliance;
(b) a licensed therapist trained to counsel or treat child sexual abuse victims;
(c) a New Jersey county prosecutor;
(d) an individual who has experience and expertise in the field of harassment, intimidation, and bullying policies;
(e) a parent of a student enrolled in an elementary or secondary school in New Jersey; and
(f) an individual who is a survivor of child sexual abuse.
The appointment of public members shall reflect the geographic diversity of the State.
c. Public members of the task force shall serve for a term of three years, except that of the initial appointments, four public members shall serve for one year, five public members shall serve for two years, and five public members shall serve for three years. Vacancies in the membership of the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. Members are eligible for reappointment to the task force.
d. The Commissioner of Education, or a designee, shall serve as chairperson of the task force. The task force shall meet at the call of the chairperson. The task force shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the task force. The task force, in its discretion, may divide its membership into subcommittees in the course of carrying out its duties.
e. Members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members of the task force within the limits of funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the task force for its purposes.
L.2019, c.107, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.8 - Provision of staff.

18A:36-25.8 Provision of staff.
2. a. The Department of Education shall provide such stenographic, clerical, and other administrative assistants, and such professional staff as the task force requires to carry out its work.
b. The task force shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require and as may be available for its purposes.
L.2019, c.107, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.9 - Consultation with State agencies, departments.

18A:36-25.9 Consultation with State agencies, departments.
3. In executing its duties under this act, the task force shall consult with the employees of the Department of Children and Families who work on child protection matters, the New Jersey State Police, the State Board of Education, and any other State agency or department necessary to accomplish the task force's responsibilities.
L.2019, c.107, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.10 - Duties of task force.

18A:36-25.10 Duties of task force.
4. a. It shall be the duty of the task force to make recommendations for reducing child sexual abuse in this State. The task force shall also make recommendations for school policies and training that address the sexual abuse of children. In making its recommendations, the task force shall do the following:
(1) gather information concerning child sexual abuse throughout the State;
(2) receive reports and testimony from individuals, State and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other public and private organizations;
(3) review steps taken and programs established in other states to reduce child sexual abuse;
(4) create goals for State policy that are aimed at preventing child sexual abuse;
(5) create recommendations and guidelines for school policies addressing sexual abuse of children. The recommendations and guidelines shall be flexible enough to allow accommodation for local autonomy and values;
(6) review current instructional programs or curricula provided in New Jersey schools on issues related to child sexual abuse, and create recommendations for a sample curriculum to be utilized by school districts;
(7) create recommendations and guidelines for school personnel to respond appropriately to students affected by sexual abuse, including any recommendations for teacher professional development and training on this issue;
(8) create recommendations and guidelines for age-appropriate, evidence-based child sexual abuse awareness, including guidelines for utilizing appropriately trained professionals to provide the student instruction and teacher training on this issue;
(9) create recommendations and guidelines for providing educational material to parents and guardians on the warning signs of child sexual abuse and information on assistance and referrals or resources; and
(10) develop a child sexual abuse protocol to be utilized by all community partners in order to help identify, prevent, and investigate child sexual abuse.
b. The recommendations described in subsection a. of this section may include proposals for specific statutory changes and methods to foster cooperation among State agencies and between the State and local government. The recommendations also may identify opportunities for collaboration among State and local agencies, community-based organizations, and other public and private organizations to provide prevention education services.
c. The task force shall present any recommendations and guidelines concerning school policies, updates to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and school personnel, as developed pursuant to paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) of subsection a. of this section, to the State Board of Education for consideration and possible adoption.
L.2019, c.107, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.11 - Report to Governor, Legislature.

18A:36-25.11 Report to Governor, Legislature.
5. The task force shall issue a report of its recommendations to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), no later than 18 months after the organization of the task force.
The task force shall issue reports of any new or updated recommendations on at least a biennial basis.
L.2019, c.107, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-25.12 - Creation of educational materials.

18A:36-25.12 Creation of educational materials.
6. The Department of Education shall create educational materials for parents and guardians based upon the recommendations developed by the task force pursuant to paragraph (9) of subsection a. of section 4 of this act. The department shall provide the educational materials to local Parent Teacher Associations throughout the State for presentation to their members.
L.2019, c.107, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-26 - Compliance with act

18A:36-26. Compliance with act
The Department of Education, pursuant to its authority under P.L. 1975, c. 212 (C. 18A:7A-1 et seq.), shall ensure compliance with this act.
L.1984, c. 228, s. 3, eff. Dec. 28, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-27 - Voting information.

18A:36-27 Voting information.
1. The board of education of each school district and the appropriate school officials in each nonpublic school shall provide a voter registration form, a summary of voter registration eligibility requirements, and material describing the role of a citizen and the importance of voting to each eligible high school pupil prior to the graduation date for the school year. This material shall be nonpartisan and conform to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:42-4.
L.1985, c.41, s.1; amended 2009, c.281.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-28 - Rules, regulations

18A:36-28. Rules, regulations
The Commissioner 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 to implement the provisions of this act.
L. 1985, c. 41, s. 2, eff. Feb. 7, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-29 - Fingerprinting of students

18A:36-29. Fingerprinting of students
The sheriff of each county shall work in conjunction with local law enforcement officials and local boards of education to provide a fingerprint program for the protection of its students. The sheriff shall visit each public school and shall, at the request of a parent or guardian or temporary caretaker, provide each student in any grades from kindergarten through nine with the opportunity to have the student's fingerprints taken as provided in this act.
L. 1985, c. 100, s. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-30 - Assistance of school officials; authorization

18A:36-30. Assistance of school officials; authorization
a. Public school officials shall cooperate with sheriffs and local law enforcement officials in setting dates for fingerprinting pupils pursuant to this act and providing school facilities and personnel to assist in the fingerprinting process.
b. No pupil shall be fingerprinted unless the signed authorization section of the fingerprint card is completed by the student's parent or guardian or temporary caretaker.
c. School officials shall notify the parents or guardians or temporary caretakers of eligible pupils of the date set for the fingerprinting program at the school at least two weeks prior thereto. For purposes of this subsection, "eligible pupils" means pupils who have not been fingerprinted previously pursuant to this act.
L. 1985, c. 100, s. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-31 - Fingerprint card

18A:36-31. Fingerprint card
a. Fingerprinting pursuant to this act shall be done on a fingerprint card provided by the sheriff or local law enforcement officials. Fingerprints shall be recorded on an eight by eight inch seven mil paper card stock, with the grain running from left to right. In addition to fingerprints, the card shall contain the following information: name, address, race, sex, date of birth, birthplace, height, weight, color of hair, color of eyes, complexion, scars and the name of the parent or guardian of the pupiL. The fingerprint card shall contain a place for rolled and plain impressions as presently utilized on standard fingerprint cards. Sufficient space shall be provided on the back of the card for palm prints, should they be necessary. The card shall also provide for the voluntary written consent of the student's parent or guardian or temporary caretaker and for the signature of the person taking the fingerprints, his department and the date the fingerprints were taken. The sheriff's office and local law enforcement officials shall not retain any fingerprint cards for their own records and shall not imprint or duplicate the fingerprints of a pupil except as provided in this act.
b. Completed fingerprint cards shall be given to the pupil's parent or guardian or temporary caretaker.
c. Each school district shall provide an orientation program conducted by certified school staff for the students for whom fingerprinting has been requested to ensure that the students can more readily understand its purposes.
d. Any fingerprint that becomes smudged in the process of imprinting or is otherwise indistinct shall immediately be destroyed and a new fingerprint shall be imprinted.
L. 1985, c. 100, s. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-32 - Fine for permitting cigarette machines on school property

18A:36-32. Fine for permitting cigarette machines on school property
Any person who, acting as an agent or otherwise, permits the operation, installation, or maintenance of coin-operated vending machines that dispense cigarettes on any property used for school purposes which is owned by any school board shall be punished by a fine of $250.
L.1989, c.225, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-33 - Pupils serving as district board of election members, excused absence

18A:36-33 Pupils serving as district board of election members, excused absence
1. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, any pupil of any public school who serves as a member of a district board of election on the day of any election, pursuant to R.S.19:6-1 et seq., and attends required instructional sessions related to such membership, pursuant to R.S.19:50-1 et seq., shall have his or her absence for those reasons recorded as excused absences on that pupil's attendance record or on that of any group or class of which the pupil is a member upon the presentation of such documentation as the superintendent or administrative principal, as the case may be, deems necessary to prove the pupil served as a member of a district board on the day of an election or attended required instructional sessions.
L.2001,c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:36-34 - School surveys, certain, parental consent required before administration

18A:36-34. School surveys, certain, parental consent required before administration
1. a. Unless a school district receives prior written informed consent from a student's parent or legal guardian and provides for a copy of the document to be available for viewing at convenient locations and time periods, the school district shall not administer to a student any academic or nonacademic survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation which reveals information concerning:
(1) political affiliations;
(2) mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or the student's family;
(3) sexual behavior and attitudes;
(4) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;
(5) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom a respondent has a close family relationship;
(6) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;
(7) income, other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under a program; or
(8) social security number.
b. The school district shall request prior written informed consent at least two weeks prior to the administration of the survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation.
c. A student shall not participate in any survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation that concerns the issues listed in subsection a. of this section unless the school district has obtained prior written informed consent from that student's parent or guardian.
d. A school district that violates the provisions of this act shall be subject to such monetary penalties as determined by the commissioner.
L.2001,c.364.