Prior to resuming his role as Senate President, Governor Codey signed into law more than 70 bills approved by lawmakers during the 2004-05 legislative session.  The following bills were enacted on January 12: 

Special Education Review  S-2417/A3904 creates a 30-member Special Education Review Commission, which will study issues “associated with the delivery, quality, cost and funding of special education services for New Jersey students.” The commission will also address issues facing “gifted and disabled” individuals, including improving access to available services, reducing duplication of effort and creating new programming.

Representatives of several statewide education organizations—including NJSBA—will serve on the commission. The governor will name eight commission members (including one representing a county special services school district and two “gifted and disabled” individuals or their parents). The Senate President and Assembly Speaker will each appoint two members.

NJSBA supported the measure.

Protecting Student Athletes  NJSBA-supported legislation, A-899/S-1634, establishes fines, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, for individuals who knowingly contribute to a high school athlete’s loss of amateur status by enticing him or her with gifts or remuneration. The new law is directed toward activities of college and athletic team recruiters.  Under   A-899/S-1634, school districts will provide written notice to each student-athlete of the eligibility rules of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. 

Health Benefits Increase   S-2283/A-3759 requires all health insurers in New Jersey, including the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program, to cover certain unmarried dependents on their parent’s family health plan until the age of 30. The bill received final legislative approval in the state Senate, 36-0, on January 9.  Under S-2283/A-3759, dependents eligible for coverage up to age 30 must be unmarried, have no dependents of their own, reside in New Jersey or be enrolled as full-time students out of state, and not be eligible for coverage under any other health plan. To remain covered, the dependent will have a slightly higher premium, but will be entitled to the same level of coverage as any other dependent child within the health plan.

NJSBA opposed the bill. Although health coverage for young adults is a critical issue nationwide, S-2283/A-3759 resolves the issue by placing a financial burden on local school districts, according the Association. Because the legislation mandates an extension of health coverage, insurers may incur greater costs and, in turn, could pass these increases onto school districts—diverting limited resources away from education programming.

Protection from Predators  S-2595/A-4066  requires the Attorney General to prepare a pamphlet on effective strategies that school children and parents of young children can use to prevent abduction and protect children from predators.
NJSBA supports the bill. The Association is among organizations that will consult with the Attorney General on the design of the pamphlet.

Further information on these and other recently enacted bills will appear in the next issue of NJSBA’s electronic publication, Education Advocacy Update.