Bill
Bill > A5647
NJ A5647
NJ A5647Requires certain school districts to hold annual, multi-day program on bullying prevention and intervention.
summary
Introduced
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a school district that includes any of the grades four through 12 to annually hold a multi-day program to provide students with age-appropriate educational sessions focused on bullying prevention and intervention. The program is to take place over three to five days and is to provide informational sessions on certain listed topics related to bullying prevention and intervention. All students are required to attend each educational session appropriate for the student's age and grade level. The district is also required to provide educational sessions for school staff focused on bullying prevention and intervention as part of the multi-day program. The bill permits a district to contract with a third-party organization that is recognized as having expertise in bullying prevention and intervention to facilitate the district's development and administration of the program. The bill permits the Commissioner of Education to withhold all or part of a school district's State aid for failure to comply with the provisions of the bill. Under the bill, in the event that the resources necessary to develop and administer the program are not available within the district, the district is permitted to apply to the Department of Education for a grant from the "Bullying Prevention Fund."
AI Summary
This bill requires school districts with grades 4-12 to conduct an annual multi-day program focused on bullying prevention and intervention, spanning three to five days. The program must include age-appropriate educational sessions covering comprehensive bullying awareness, cyberbullying prevention, bystander intervention, conflict resolution, empathy, inclusivity, and supportive peer relationships. All students must attend sessions appropriate to their age and grade level, and the district must also provide educational sessions for school staff on bullying prevention and intervention. Districts have the option to contract with third-party organizations specializing in bullying prevention to help develop and administer the program. The bill allows the Commissioner of Education to withhold state aid from districts that do not comply with the program requirements. If a district lacks the resources to implement the program, it may apply for a grant from the "Bullying Prevention Fund," which was established to support training and personnel expenses related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention. The bill will take effect immediately and will first apply to the first full school year following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 05/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5647 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5647_I1.HTM |
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