While the State House was generally quiet over the holidays, one new law relevant to boards of education was enacted, and committees met again after the new year, ahead of what should be a busy two weeks to conclude the 2024-2025 legislative session. The New Jersey School Boards Association will continue to monitor all legislation affecting boards of education leading up to the final day of the session (Jan. 13) and will post weekly legislative updates in School Board Notes. For the most up-to-date information regarding specific legislation, please visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website.
New Law
With Governor Murphy out of the state on Dec. 23, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way signed the following bill into law. Many other bills relevant to boards of education remain on the governor’s desk awaiting signature.
Chronic Absenteeism Task Force A-5779/S-3776 (P.L.2025, c.181, signed Dec. 23, 2025) will establish a task force to study the causes of chronic absenteeism and develop recommendations for lowering absenteeism rates. The bill had been conditionally vetoed by the governor and returned to the Legislature with minor recommendations; the Legislature approved those recommendations before final passage. As amended, the law will create a 15-member group (including one member recommended by the NJSBA) that will be required to issue a final report to the governor within one year of its organization.
The NJSBA supported the bill.
To view the full text of any of the bills summarized above, please visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website.
