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Bill > A4415


NJ A4415

NJ A4415
Requires 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
07/20/2020
In Committee
07/20/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
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 New Jersey Commissioner of Education to provide funding to school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools within 30 days for the acquisition of connected devices (laptops, tablets, or similar devices capable of connecting to broadband internet) 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 from 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 of this bill is to address the "digital divide" and ensure all students can fully participate in virtual and remote learning during the COVID-19 school closures.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 07/20/2020)

bill text


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