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Bill > SCR116


NJ SCR116

NJ SCR116
Establishes "Joint Legislative Statesmanship Task Force" to promote importance of civility to students in grades kindergarten through 12.


summary

Introduced
10/28/2024
In Committee
12/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This concurrent resolution establishes the "Joint Legislative Statesmanship Task Force." The purpose of the task force is to promote the importance of civility to students in grades kindergarten through 12 across the State and to emphasize the importance of treating each other with respect and dignity in daily interactions and discourse. The task force is to be comprised of 12 members of the Legislature, to be appointed as follows: six members of the Senate, three of whom are to be members of the majority party appointed by the Senate President and three of whom are to be members of the minority party appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and six members of the General Assembly, three of whom are to be members of the majority party appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and three of whom are to be members of the minority party appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. In conducting its business, the task force is required to annually travel to schools across the State to, at a minimum, discuss with students:· the core values that underpin the meaning of civility and how it can be practiced in everyday life, even while in school; · the importance of engaging with others in a respectful manner and ways in which students can foster meaningful and productive dialogue with each other even when they disagree on a particular topic;· instances in which the members of the task force worked with others to resolve differences in a civil way;· cases in which the members of the task force worked with other members of the Legislature, especially those who are of different political affiliations, in order to facilitate the enactment of positive change throughout the legislative process; · examples of times in which the members of the task force did not agree with others and how the members expressed their disagreement, or otherwise resolved the disagreement, in a civil way; and· overall how to demonstrate mutual respect and consideration in language, attitudes, behaviors, and verbal, nonverbal, written, and digital communications. In fulfilling the requirements of the bill, the task force is to annually travel to schools it designates and ensure that it visits a cross section of elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools located in urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State, with equal consideration given to schools located in the north, central, and southern geographical regions of the State.

AI Summary

This concurrent resolution establishes the "Joint Legislative Statesmanship Task Force," a bipartisan group of 12 legislators (six from the Senate and six from the General Assembly) aimed at promoting civility among students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The task force will annually visit schools across the state, representing urban, suburban, and rural areas in the north, central, and southern regions, to discuss important aspects of civil discourse. During these visits, task force members will engage students by sharing personal experiences about resolving disagreements respectfully, working across political divides, and demonstrating how civility extends beyond mere politeness to meaningful dialogue and understanding. The group will explore core civil values, teach students how to communicate effectively and respectfully even when they disagree, and provide real-world examples of constructive interactions. The resolution emphasizes that civility is crucial in educational settings and everyday life, particularly in an era of increasing political tension, and aims to help students develop skills for productive communication and mutual understanding.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading (on 12/04/2025)

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