Bill
Bill > S2603
NJ S2603
NJ S2603Requires DOE to provide funds to school districts for acquisition of technology devices to address digital divide and requires districts to reimburse DOE from available federal funds.
summary
Introduced
06/25/2020
06/25/2020
In Committee
06/25/2020
06/25/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022
01/11/2022
Introduced Session
2020-2021 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to distribute to school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools, within 30 days of the bill's effective date, the amount of funding necessary for the acquisition of connected devices for all enrolled students who do not have access to such devices. The bill defines a "connected device" as a laptop computer, tablet computer, or similar device that is capable of connecting to broadband Internet access service, either by receiving such service directly or through the use of Wi-Fi. The bill includes a provision requiring a school district, charter school, or renaissance school that receives funding under the bill's provisions to reimburse the Department of Education for that funding from any moneys received under the federal "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act," Pub.L. 116-136, or any other federal assistance available to address the impact of COVID-19 on schools. This bill is intended to address the barriers to remote learning that many students are experiencing, so that all students may fully participate in the virtual classroom experience.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to distribute funds to school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools within 30 days to acquire connected devices (laptops, tablets, or similar devices with broadband internet access) for all enrolled students who do not have access to such devices. The bill also requires these schools to reimburse the Department of Education for the funding using any federal assistance available, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to address the impact of COVID-19 on schools. The goal is to address the digital divide and ensure all students can fully participate in virtual and remote learning during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 06/25/2020)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| BillText | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/S3000/2603_I1.HTM |
| Bill | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/S3000/2603_I1.PDF |
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