reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-17 - Establishment of bullying prevention programs or approaches.

18A:37-17 Establishment of bullying prevention programs or approaches.
5. a. Schools and school districts shall annually establish, implement, document, and assess bullying prevention programs or approaches, and other initiatives involving school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement and community members. The programs or approaches shall be designed to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying. A school district may implement bullying prevention programs and approaches that may be available at no cost from the Department of Education, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, or any other entity. A school district may, at its own discretion, implement bullying prevention programs and approaches which impose a cost on the district.
A school district may apply to the Department of Education for a grant to be used for programs, approaches, or personnel established pursuant to this act, to the extent funds are appropriated for these purposes or funds are made available through the "Bullying Prevention Fund" established pursuant to section 25 of P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-28). A school district may make an application for a grant only after exploring bullying prevention programs and approaches that are available at no cost, and making an affirmative demonstration of that exploration in its grant application.
b. A school district shall: (1) provide training on the school district's harassment, intimidation, or bullying policies to school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students; (2) ensure that the training includes instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the protected categories enumerated in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14) and other distinguishing characteristics that may incite incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and (3) develop a process for discussing the district's harassment, intimidation or bullying policy with students.
A school district may satisfy the training required pursuant to this subsection by utilizing training that may be provided at no cost by the Department of Education, the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, or any other entity. A school district may, at its own discretion, implement a training program which imposes a cost on the district.
c. Information regarding the school district policy against harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be incorporated into a school's employee training program and shall be provided to full-time and part-time staff, volunteers who have significant contact with students, and those persons contracted by the district to provide services to students.
L.2002, c.83, s.5; amended 2010, c.122, s.14; 2012, c.1, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-18 - Other remedies unaffected.

18A:37-18 Other remedies unaffected.
6. This act shall not be interpreted to prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law either civil or criminal. This act does not create or alter any tort liability.
L.2002,c.83,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-19 - Application by school district for reimbursement.

18A:37-19 Application by school district for reimbursement.
7. A school district that incurs additional costs due to the implementation of the provisions of this act shall apply to the Commissioner of Education for reimbursement.
L.2002,c.83,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-20 - Appointment of school anti-bullying specialists, coordinator.

18A:37-20 Appointment of school anti-bullying specialists, coordinator.
17. a. The principal in each school in a school district shall appoint a school anti-bullying specialist. When a school guidance counselor, school psychologist, or another individual similarly trained is currently employed in the school, the principal shall appoint that individual to be the school anti-bullying specialist. If no individual meeting this criteria is currently employed in the school, the principal shall appoint a school anti-bullying specialist from currently employed school personnel. The school anti-bullying specialist shall:
(1) chair the school safety team as provided in section 18 of P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-21);
(2) lead the investigation of incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the school; and
(3) act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the school.
b. The superintendent of schools shall appoint a district anti-bullying coordinator. The superintendent shall make every effort to appoint an employee of the school district to this position. The district anti-bullying coordinator shall:
(1) be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district's policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students;
(2) collaborate with school anti-bullying specialists in the district, the board of education, and the superintendent of schools to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students in the district;
(3) provide data, in collaboration with the superintendent of schools, to the Department of Education regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students; and
(4) execute such other duties related to school harassment, intimidation, and bullying as requested by the superintendent of schools.
c. The district anti-bullying coordinator shall meet at least twice a school year with the school anti-bullying specialists in the district to discuss and strengthen procedures and policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the district.
L.2010, c.122, s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-21 - School safety teams.

18A:37-21 School safety teams.
18. a. A school district shall form a school safety team in each school in the district to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going, systemic process and practices in the school and to address school climate issues such as harassment, intimidation, or bullying. A school safety team shall meet at least two times per school year.
b. A school safety team shall consist of the principal or his designee who, if possible, shall be a senior administrator in the school and the following appointees of the principal: a teacher in the school; a school anti-bullying specialist; a parent of a student in the school; and other members to be determined by the principal. The school anti-bullying specialist shall serve as the chair of the school safety team.
c. The school safety team shall:
(1) receive any complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students that have been reported to the principal;
(2) receive copies of any report prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
(3) identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students in the school;
(4) review and strengthen school climate and the policies of the school in order to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
(5) educate the community, including students, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
(6) participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.) and other training which the principal or the district anti-bullying coordinator may request;
(7) collaborate with the district anti-bullying coordinator in the collection of district-wide data and in the development of district policies to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students; and
(8) execute such other duties related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying as requested by the principal or district anti-bullying coordinator.
d. The members of a school safety team shall be provided professional development opportunities that address effective practices of successful school climate programs or approaches.
e. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, a parent who is a member of the school safety team shall not participate in the activities of the team set forth in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection c. of this section or any other activities of the team which may compromise the confidentiality of a student.
L.2010, c.122, s.18.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-22 - Program required for teaching certification.

18A:37-22 Program required for teaching certification.
19. a. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, all candidates for teaching certification who have completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally-accredited institution of higher education shall have satisfactorily completed a program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention.
b. Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, any person seeking certification through the alternate route shall, within one year of being employed, satisfactorily complete a program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention.
c. The State Board of Education shall establish the appropriate requirements of the program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention.
d. The State board shall, as part of the professional development requirement established by the State board for public school teachers, require each public school teacher to complete at least two hours of instruction on harassment, intimidation, or bullying prevention in each professional development period.
L.2010, c.122, s.19.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-23 - Program required for administrative and supervisory certification.

18A:37-23 Program required for administrative and supervisory certification.
20. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, all candidates for administrative and supervisory certification shall have satisfactorily completed a program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention.
L.2010, c.122, s.20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-24 - Development of guidance document.

18A:37-24 Development of guidance document.
21. a. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety shall develop a guidance document for use by parents or guardians, students, and school districts to assist in resolving complaints concerning student harassment, intimidation, or bullying behaviors and the implementation of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.) by school districts. The document shall include:
(1) a school district's obligations under P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.);
(2) best practices for the prevention, intervention, and remediation of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in schools, including methods to identify and assist student populations at high risk for harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
(3) a clear explanation of the procedures for petitioning the Commissioner of Education to hear and decide disputes concerning P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.);
(4) a clear explanation of the Division on Civil Rights' jurisdiction and services in regard to specific types of harassment, intimidation, or bullying; and
(5) a clear explanation of the process for appealing final agency determinations to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
b. The guidance document shall be available on the Department of Education's and the Division on Civil Rights' Internet sites and on every school district's Internet site at an easily accessible location.
L.2010, c.122, s.21.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-25 - Establishment of formal protocol for investigating a complaint.

18A:37-25 Establishment of formal protocol for investigating a complaint.
22. a. The Commissioner of Education shall establish a formal protocol pursuant to which the office of the executive county superintendent of schools shall investigate a complaint that documents an allegation of a violation of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.) by a school district located within the county, when the complaint has not been adequately addressed on the local level. The office of the executive county superintendent shall report its findings, and if appropriate, issue an order for the school district to develop and implement corrective actions that are specific to the facts of the case.
b. The commissioner shall ensure that the personnel of the office of the executive county superintendent of schools who are responsible for conducting the investigations receive training and technical support on the use of the complaint investigation protocol.
L.2010, c.122, s.22.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-26 - Inservice workshops, training programs.

18A:37-26 Inservice workshops, training programs.
23. a. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with recognized experts in school bullying from a cross section of academia, child advocacy organizations, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, and government agencies, shall establish inservice workshops and training programs to train selected public school employees to act as district anti-bullying coordinators and school anti-bullying specialists in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.). The commissioner shall seek to make the workshops and training programs available and administered online through the department's website or other existing online resources. The commissioner shall evaluate the effectiveness of the consulting group on an annual basis. The inservice training programs may utilize the offices of the executive county superintendent of schools, or such other institutions, agencies, or persons as the commissioner deems appropriate. Each board of education shall provide time for the inservice training during the usual school schedule in order to ensure that appropriate personnel are prepared to act in the district as district anti-bullying coordinators and school anti-bullying specialists.
b. Upon completion of the initial inservice training program, the commissioner shall ensure that programs and workshops that reflect the most current information on harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools are prepared and made available to district anti-bullying coordinators and school anti-bullying specialists at regular intervals.
L.2010, c.122, s.23.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-27 - Development of online tutorial, test.

18A:37-27 Development of online tutorial, test.
24. The Commissioner of Education shall develop, in consultation with the Division on Civil Rights, and make available on the Department of Education's Internet site, an online tutorial on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The online tutorial shall, at a minimum, include best practices in the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, applicable laws, and such other information that the commissioner determines to be appropriate. The online tutorial shall be accompanied by a test to assess a person's understanding of the information provided in the tutorial.
L.2010, c.122, s.24.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-28 - "Bullying Prevention Fund."

18A:37-28 "Bullying Prevention Fund."
25. There is created a special fund in the Department of Education, which shall be designated the "Bullying Prevention Fund." The fund shall be maintained in a separate account and administered by the commissioner to carry out the provisions of this act. The fund shall consist of: (1) any monies appropriated by the State for the purposes of the fund; (2) any monies donated for the purposes of the fund; and (3) all interest and investment earnings received on monies in the fund. The fund shall be used to offer grants to school districts to provide training on harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention and on the effective creation of positive school climates, and to help fund related personnel expenses.
L.2010, c.122, s.25; amended 2012, c.1, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-29 - "Week of Respect"; designated.

18A:37-29 "Week of Respect"; designated.
26. The week beginning with the first Monday in October of each year is designated as a "Week of Respect" in the State of New Jersey. School districts, in order to recognize the importance of character education, shall observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying as defined in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14). Throughout the school year the school district shall provide ongoing age-appropriate instruction on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the core curriculum content standards.
L.2010, c.122, s.26.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-30 - Construction of act.

18A:37-30 Construction of act.
27. Nothing contained in P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.) shall be construed as affecting the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on that act's effective date.
L.2010, c.122, s.27.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-31 - Compliance by nonpublic schools encouraged.

18A:37-31 Compliance by nonpublic schools encouraged.
29. a. Nonpublic schools are encouraged to comply with the provisions of the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.).
b. In the case of a faith-based nonpublic school, no provision of the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.), shall be interpreted to prohibit or abridge the legitimate statement, expression or free exercise of the beliefs or tenets of that faith by the religious organization operating the school or by the school's faculty, staff, or student body.
L.2010, c.122, s.29.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-32 - Inapplicability to certain situations.

18A:37-32 Inapplicability to certain situations.
30. Nothing contained in the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.), as amended and supplemented by P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.1 et al.), shall alter or reduce the rights of a student with a disability with regard to disciplinary actions or to general or special educational services and supports.
L.2010, c.122, s.30.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-32.1 - Rules, regulations.

18A:37-32.1 Rules, regulations.
5. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt, immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law, such rules and regulations as the commissioner deems necessary to implement the provisions of P.L.2012, c.1 (C.18A:37-32.1 et al.), P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-13.2 et al.), and P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.). The regulations shall thereafter be amended, adopted, or readopted by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
L.2012, c.1, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-32.2 - Policy against hazing for district with high school, middle school.

18A:37-32.2 Policy against hazing for district with high school, middle school.
5. a. Each board of education of a school district with a high school or middle school and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic high school or middle school shall adopt a written policy against hazing.
b. The board of education and governing board or chief school administrator shall ensure that students are informed of the anti-hazing policy, including the rules, penalties, and program of enforcement under the policy.
c. The board of education and governing board or chief school administrator shall post the policy on the district's or nonpublic school's publicly accessible Internet website.
L.2021, c.208, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-32.3 - Program for enforcement of policy against hazing.

18A:37-32.3 Program for enforcement of policy against hazing.
6. a. Each board of education of a school district with a high school or middle school and the governing board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic high school or middle school shall provide a program for the enforcement of the policy against hazing required under section 5 of P.L.2021, c.208 (C.18A:37-32.2) and shall adopt appropriate penalties for violation of the policy.
b. The penalties for violations of the policy may include:
(1) the withholding of diplomas or transcripts pending compliance with the rules;
(2) the rescission of permission for the organization or group, whose student members are being penalized under the anti-hazing policy, to operate on campus or school property or to otherwise operate under the sanction or recognition of the school district or nonpublic school; and
(3) the imposition of probation, suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.
c. A penalty imposed under this section shall be in addition to a penalty imposed for violation of any other school district or nonpublic school rule to which the violator may be subject.
d. A policy adopted under section 5 of P.L.2021, c.208 (C.18A:37-32.2) shall apply to each act conducted on or off campus if the acts are deemed to constitute hazing.
L.2021, c.208, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-33 - Findings, declarations relative to dating violence policy and education.

18A:37-33 Findings, declarations relative to dating violence policy and education.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards; a student who is a victim of dating violence suffers academically, and the student's safety at school is jeopardized; and since all students have a right to learn and study in a safe, supportive environment that is free from violence, each school district should have a policy to prevent, and for responding to, incidents of dating violence, and should provide dating violence education to students in order to prevent dating violence and address incidents involving dating violence.
L.2011, c.64, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-34 - Definitions relative to dating violence policy and education.

18A:37-34 Definitions relative to dating violence policy and education.
2. As used in this act:
"At school" means in a classroom or anywhere on school property, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, or at any school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is on school grounds.
"Dating partner" means any person involved in an intimate association with another individual that is primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement, whether casual, serious, or long-term.
"Dating violence" means a pattern of behavior where one person threatens to use, or actually uses physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to control a dating partner.
L.2011, c.64, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-35 - Task force to develop policy.

18A:37-35 Task force to develop policy.
3. a. The Department of Education shall establish a task force to develop a policy to address incidents of dating violence involving students at school. The task force shall include members who have expertise in issues relating to dating violence. The policy shall contain, at a minimum, the following components:
(1) a statement that dating violence will not be tolerated;
(2) dating violence reporting procedures;
(3) guidelines for responding to at-school incidents of dating violence;
(4) discipline procedures specific to at-school incidents of dating violence;
(5) warning signs of dating violence; and
(6) information on safe, appropriate school, family, peer, and community resources available to address dating violence.
b. Each school district shall implement either the policy developed by the department or a dating violence policy developed by the district. In the event that a district determines to develop its policy, the policy shall contain, at a minimum, the components required pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (6) of subsection a. of this section.
c. Notice of the policy implemented by the school district shall appear in any publication of the district that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for schools within the district, and in any student handbook.
L.2011, c.64, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-38 - Definitions relative to restorative justice.

18A:37-38 Definitions relative to restorative justice.
1. As used in this act:
"Adverse childhood experiences" means severe childhood stressors that, when experienced prenatal to three years old, affect brain development and which are proven to be powerful determinants of physical, mental, social, and behavioral health across a lifespan. Adverse childhood experiences may include, but are not limited to, child physical or sexual abuse, child emotional abuse, child physical or emotional neglect, substance use disorder in the home, mental illness or suicidal behaviors in the home, incarceration of a family member, exposure to violence in the home or community, and parental divorce or separation.
"Restorative justice" means a system of dispute resolution tools that allow all parties of a dispute to be involved in defining the harm and devising remedies while giving the necessary attention to community safety, victims' needs, and the need for offender accountability. Restorative justice practices shall include, but need not be limited to, student or community court, restorative circles, mediation, and conferencing.
"Trauma-informed approach" means an approach that recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in students, families, staff, and others, and which responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices for the purposes of promoting resiliency and healing, resisting the recurrence of trauma, and improving educational outcomes.
L.2019, c.412, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.31.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-39 - "Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program."

18A:37-39 "Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program."
2. Within six months of the effective date of this act, the Commissioner of Education shall establish a three-year "Restorative Justice in Education Pilot Program" to implement restorative justice practices in the public schools. The program shall address school discipline issues through the implementation of restorative justice practices that include a trauma-informed approach. The goals of the pilot program shall be to:
a. reduce racial disparities in school discipline which result in an inequitable loss of classroom time among certain student groups, thereby boosting the academic outcomes of these students;
b. improve the socioemotional and behavioral responses of students through the use of more appropriate, and less punitive, interventions, thereby establishing a more supportive and inclusive school culture; and
c. reduce recidivism rates among students who violate the school district code of conduct through the use of more effective and targeted restorative justice interventions.
L.2019, c.412, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-40 - Application for participation by school district.

18A:37-40 Application for participation by school district.
3. A school district that wants to participate in the pilot program shall submit an application to the commissioner. The application shall identify one school within the school district to implement the restorative justice model under the pilot program. The application shall include:
a. a description of the school including the number of enrolled students; the in-school and out-of-school student suspension rates, and any other relevant data collected on student disciplinary actions; absenteeism rates; academic performance indicators, including the percentage of students not meeting expectations on State assessments; and the percentage of enrolled students who qualify for a free or reduced price lunch under the federal School Lunch Program;
b. a description of which restorative justice practices will be implemented at the school and the trauma-informed approach to be utilized;
c. a description of how school administrators plan to develop faculty and student support for the restorative justice model of school discipline to be implemented;
d. a preliminary schedule and description of faculty trainings on the use of restorative justice practices including a trauma-informed approach, and a statement indicating the school district's commitment to collecting ongoing feedback from both students and faculty on the program's impact;
e. the identification of a faculty member who shall serve as a school-based coordinator of the pilot program and who shall collect, analyze, and report on the program's implementation and outcomes to school district stakeholders and the commissioner; and
f. any other information the commissioner deems appropriate.
L.2019, c.412, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-41 - Selection of districts.

18A:37-41 Selection of districts.
4. a. After reviewing the applications submitted pursuant to section 3 of this act, the commissioner shall select five districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program.
b. The commissioner shall provide such guidance, support, and training to participating schools as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act.
c. The commissioner shall award grants, within the limit of available State appropriations, to participating school districts to be used to support the development and implementation of restorative justice practices in the selected schools, including for any necessary trainings and materials. The commissioner shall determine the amount of each grant awarded under the program and may award multi-year grants.
L.2019, c.412, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-42 - Limitation of number, duration of student expulsions, suspensions.

18A:37-42 Limitation of number, duration of student expulsions, suspensions.
5. The principal of a school selected to participate in the pilot program shall be required to limit the number and duration of student expulsions and suspensions to the greatest extent practicable. The principal shall demonstrate a commitment to exhausting other forms of non-exclusionary discipline prior to using out-of-school suspensions or expulsions, unless otherwise required by law or unless a student's continuing presence in school poses a threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities.
L.2019, c.412, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-43 - Ongoing professional development for teachers, staff.

18A:37-43 Ongoing professional development for teachers, staff.
6. A school district selected to participate in the pilot program shall provide ongoing professional development to teachers and other staff employed in the school in which the restorative justice model is being implemented on: how to understand, recognize, and respond to students and their families who are impacted by the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences; the adverse consequences of the exclusion of students from school and their involvement in the juvenile justice system; effective classroom management strategies; culturally responsive discipline; and developmentally appropriate disciplinary methods that promote a positive and healthy school climate.
L.2019, c.412, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-44 - Application for grant, aid.

18A:37-44 Application for grant, aid.
7. A school district selected to participate in the pilot program may seek and apply for any grant or aid from the federal government, or any appropriate nonprofit organization, foundation or trust, or any other public or private source that might be or may become available for programs in furtherance of the purposes of this act.
L.2019, c.412, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-45 - Report.

18A:37-45 Report.
8. Each school district shall prepare and submit to the commissioner a report on its experience with and the effects of the pilot program. The report shall include, to the greatest extent feasible, quantifiable measures of the program impact including, but not limited to, the number of faculty trainings on restorative justice practices and the use of a trauma-informed approach, discipline rates, absenteeism rates, and academic performance indicators.
L.2019, c.412, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-46 - "Restorative Justice Education Fund."

18A:37-46 "Restorative Justice Education Fund."
9. There is established within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "Restorative Justice Education Fund." The fund shall be used to provide grants to participating schools pursuant to subsection c. of section 4 of this act. The fund shall be annually credited with the moneys appropriated by the Legislature.
L.2019, c.412, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:37-47 - Report to Governor, Legislature.

18A:37-47 Report to Governor, Legislature.
10. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the Legislature. The report shall contain information on the implementation of the pilot program and shall include the commissioner's recommendation on the feasibility of expanding the program to other school districts in the State. The report shall also include copies of the reports submitted to the commissioner by the pilot school districts pursuant to section 8 of this act.
L.2019, c.412, s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-1.1 - Certain students permitted to remain enrolled in current school district.

18A:38-1.1 Certain students permitted to remain enrolled in current school district.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:38-1 or any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, a child who moves out of a school district as a result of domestic violence, sexual abuse or other family crises shall be permitted to remain enrolled in that district for the remainder of the school year. If the child remains enrolled in the district for the remainder of the school year, the school district shall provide transportation services to the child, provided the child lives remote from school, and the State shall reimburse the school district for the cost of the transportation services.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the rights of homeless students pursuant to section 19 of P.L.1979, c.207 (C.18A:7B-12), section 3 of P.L.1989, c.290 (C.18A:7B-12.1), or any other applicable State or federal law.
L.2013, c.231, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-1.2 - Rules.

18A:38-1.2 Rules.
2. The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the provisions of this act. The rules shall include family crisis situations, other than those listed in section 1 of this act, which shall permit a child to remain enrolled in the school district.
L.2013, c.231, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-1.3 - Verification of eligibility for enrollment in district.

18A:38-1.3 Verification of eligibility for enrollment in district.
1. a. In the case of a dispute between a school district and the parents or guardians of a student in regard to a student's eligibility to enroll in the district or to remain enrolled in the district pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:38-1, the school district may request from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission the parent or guardian's name and address for use in verifying a student's eligibility for enrollment in the school district.
b. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall disclose to a school district the information requested pursuant to subsection a. of this section in accordance with procedures established by the commission.
c. A school district shall not condition enrollment in the district on immigration status or on the fact that the commission does not have the name or address of the parent or guardian on file.
L.2015, c.161, s.1; amended 2019, c.310, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-2 - Free attendance at school by nonresidents placed in district under court order

18A:38-2. Free attendance at school by nonresidents placed in district under court order
Public schools shall be free to any person over five and under 20 years of age nonresident in a school district who is placed in the home of another person, who is resident in the district, by order of a court of competent jurisdiction of this state or by any society, agency or institution incorporated and located in this state having for its object the care and welfare of indigent, neglected or abandoned children, or children in danger of becoming delinquent, or any person who is a resident in any institution operated, by any such society, agency or corporation, on a nonprofit basis, whether or not such other person, society, agency or institution is compensated for keeping such person; but no district shall be required to take an unreasonable number of persons under this section except upon the order of the commissioner issued in accordance with rules established by the state board.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-3 - Admission for nonresident of school district; parent on active duty

18A:38-3. Admission for nonresident of school district; parent on active duty
18A:38-3. a. Any person not resident in a school district, if eligible except for residence, may be admitted to the schools of the district with the consent of the board of education upon such terms, and with payment of tuition, as the board prescribes. Each board of education, with the approval of the executive county superintendent, shall establish a uniform tuition amount for any nonresident student admitted to the schools of a district pursuant to this section.
b. Any person not resident in a school district, if eligible except for residence, and if that person previously was a resident of the district, shall be admitted to the schools of the district without payment of tuition if that person's parent or guardian is a member of the New Jersey National Guard or a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been ordered into active military service in any of the armed forces of the United States in time of war or national emergency, resulting in the relocation of the student out of the district. A school district admitting a student pursuant to this subsection shall not be obligated for transportation costs.
c. The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not apply, regardless of residence, to the enrolled children of teaching staff members of the school district who are permitted, by contract or local district policy, to enroll their children in the educational program of the school district without payment of tuition.
d. Nothing in this section shall limit a school district's ability to charge tuition pursuant to any other federal law, State statute, regulation, or court order.
e. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a county vocational school district.
L.1967, c.271; amended 1994,c.169,s.2; 2023, c.61.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-3.1 - Children of certain military members permitted to remain in prior school district.

18A:38-3.1 Children of certain military members permitted to remain in prior school district.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:38-1 or any other section of law to the contrary, a child who is domiciled within a school district and resides with a parent or guardian who is a member of the New Jersey National Guard or a member of the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who is ordered into active military service in any of the armed forces of the United States in a time of war or national emergency, shall be permitted to remain enrolled in the school district in which the child is domiciled at the time of the parent or guardian being ordered into active military service, regardless of where the child resides during the period of active duty. The school district shall not be responsible for providing transportation for the child if the child lives outside of the district. Following the return of the child's parent or guardian from active military service, the child's eligibility to remain enrolled in the school district pursuant to this section shall cease at the end of the current school year unless the child is domiciled in the school district.
L.2015, c.269, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-3.2 - School district registration, member of United States armed forces, National Guard, reserves.

18A:38-3.2 School district registration, member of United States armed forces, National Guard, reserves.
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.18A:38-1 or any other section of law to the contrary, a member of the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard, or any other reserve component of the armed forces who has received relocation orders and whose anticipated residence will be within the State shall be permitted to enroll a dependent child in a school district and register for courses in advance of the member's relocation, upon presentation of a copy of the relocation orders to the school district. Once enrolled, the child shall be permitted to attend classes and receive services free of charge in the same manner as if they were already a resident of the school district. The school district shall waive any proof of residency requirements until such time that the member's family has been relocated within the school district.
L.2021, c.470.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-4 - Free attendance to persons over age

18A:38-4. Free attendance to persons over age
The public schools of any district shall be free also to such persons, over the age of 20 years, who, except for age, would be entitled to free education in the district, as the board of education of the district shall determine.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-4.1 - Issuance of notice relative to obligation to enroll resident students.

18A:38-4.1 Issuance of notice relative to obligation to enroll resident students.
1. The Department of Education shall biannually issue notice to each school district reminding the district of the obligation to enroll resident students in accordance with all applicable statutes and applicable rules and regulations of the State Board of Education. The notice shall be issued by August 1 and December 30 of each school year and shall include information on the documentation that may be requested pursuant to State board regulations to demonstrate a student's eligibility for enrollment in the district.
L.2013, c.151, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-5 - Admission of pupils under age

18A:38-5. Admission of pupils under age
No child under the age of five years shall be admitted to any public school, except such as may be provided pursuant to law for children of his age.
No board of education shall be required to accept by transfer from public or private school any pupil who was not eligible by reason of age for admission on October 1 of that school year, but the board may in its discretion admit any such pupil if he or she meets such entrance requirements as may be established by rules or regulations of the board.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-5.1 - No child to be excluded from school because of race, etc.

18A:38-5.1 No child to be excluded from school because of race, etc.
18A:38-5.1. No child between the ages of four and 20 years shall be excluded from any public school on account of his race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, or other protected category under subsection f. of section 11 of P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-12), or immigration status. A member of any board of education who shall vote to exclude from any public school any child, on account of his race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, or other protected category under subsection f. of section 11 of P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-12), or immigration status shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
Amended 2019, c.311, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-6 - Time of admission of pupils; first school year

18A:38-6. Time of admission of pupils; first school year
Pupils who have never attended any public or private school may be admitted to a public school on or before October 1 following the opening of the school for the fall term, and at no other time except by a majority vote of all the members of the board of education of the district in which the school is situated.
L.1967, c.271.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 18A - Education › Section 18A:38-7.7 - Finding, declaration

18A:38-7.7. Finding, declaration
The Legislature finds and declares that all persons of school age who reside on federal property located within this State are entitled under the New Jersey Constitution and the laws of this State to a free public education.
L. 1988, c. 12, s. 1.