Bill > S3860

This bill requires school district capital project referendums to be held only during specific elections, specifically limiting them to June primary elections, November general elections, or during other existing elections that include all legal voters of the school district. Currently, these referendums can be held during various annual or special school elections throughout the year. The bill mandates that when a capital project referendum is proposed, the school board must frame the question clearly, specifying the project details and costs, and submit it for voter approval during one of the authorized election dates. If a project involves construction by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority or involves grant funding, the referendum must disclose final eligible costs and any additional expenses. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to coordinate with county clerks to determine how these referendum questions will be displayed on primary election ballots. School district boards must provide advance notice to municipal clerks and county election boards about their intention to hold such referendums, and they must clearly outline any additional project costs beyond standard facility efficiency standards in the ballot language. This change aims to standardize and potentially increase voter participation in school capital project decisions by aligning these referendums with more widely attended elections.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3860