On January 10, 2022, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law S-1790/A-1662 to amend and strengthen New Jersey’s existing anti-bullying law (“New Law”). Many of the changes aim to create a school climate that will decrease harassment, intimidation and bullying (“HIB”), using various tools, such as the creation of a School Climate State
Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed legislation, S-2160/A-5701, that establishes a special education unit within the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). The special education unit will consist of Administrative Law Judges having expertise in special education law. The goal of the special education unit is to help address the long-standing special
Gov. Phil Murphy took action on several education bills in recent weeks… Gov. Phil Murphy took action on several education bills in recent weeks. The legislation signed into law addresses issues ranging from school nurse shortages to school bus driver safety. Gov. Murphy also issued conditional vetoes on some closely-watched
The New Jersey Department of Education rescinded the COVID-19 pandemic-related emergency rule allowing special education services to be provided virtually… Effective September 8, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Education rescinded the COVID-19 pandemic-related emergency rule allowing special education services to be provided virtually. However, school districts may continue to
On August 24, 2021, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Timothy J. Piazza’s Law… On August 24, 2021, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Timothy J. Piazza’s Law. The new law requires public and non-public middle schools and high schools, as well as higher education institutions, to adopt anti-hazing policies
Navigating COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for New Jersey school districts… Navigating COVID-19 continues to be a challenge for New Jersey school districts. When implementing policies for the 2021-2022 school year, it is important to recognize that guidance continues to evolve, and policies may need to be adjusted accordingly.
SCOTUS recently held that a school district’s decision to suspend a student for social media posts violates the First Amendment… The U.S. Supreme Court held in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. that the school district’s decision to suspend student B. L. from the cheerleading team, for social media posts
Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed legislation requiring boards of education to consider offering additional or compensatory special education and related services… On June 16, 2021, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring boards of education to consider offering additional or compensatory special education and related services, including transition services, for a maximum
