Bill
Bill > S2113
NJ S2113
NJ S2113Requires adoption of anti-nepotism policies by school districts and charter schools.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs boards of education of school districts and county vocational school districts to adopt and implement an anti-nepotism policy. The adoption of such a policy will be a condition for the receipt of State aid. The anti-nepotism policy adopted by a board of education must include, but need not be limited to, the following: (1) a provision prohibiting any relative of a school board member or chief school administrator, school business administrator, school board attorney employed in-house on a full-time basis, or director of personnel from being employed in any office or position in the district. However, such a person employed by the district on the effective date of the policy or the date a relative becomes a school board member, chief school administrator, school business administrator, school board attorney, or director of personnel will not be prohibited from continuing to be employed or to be promoted, or, in the case of a reduction in force, employed in any position to which the person has a legal entitlement. Also, a district may employ such a relative if the district obtains the approval of the executive county superintendent of schools. The executive county superintendent may only grant the approval upon a demonstration by the district that it conducted a thorough search for candidates and that the proposed candidate is the only qualified and available person for the position; (2) a provision prohibiting a chief school administrator from recommending to the school board any relative of a school board member, chief school administrator, school business administrator, school board attorney employed in-house on a full-time basis, or director of personnel unless the exceptions described above are applicable; (3) a provision prohibiting a district administrator including a director of personnel, or a school board attorney employed in-house on a full-time basis from exercising direct or indirect authority, supervision, or control over a relative. If it is not feasible to eliminate a direct or indirect supervisory relationship, appropriate screens or alternative supervision and reporting mechanisms must be put in place; (4) a provision prohibiting a district administrator including a director of personnel, or a school board attorney employed in-house on a full-time basis, or a board member, who has a relative who is a member of the bargaining unit from discussing or voting on the proposed collective bargaining agreement with that unit or from participating in any way in negotiations, although the administrator including the director of personnel, or the school board attorney may provide technical information necessary to the collective bargaining process when no one else in the district can provide such information; and A school district or county vocational school district may exclude per diem substitutes and student employees from its anti-nepotism policy. The bill also directs the board of trustees of a charter school to adopt and implement an anti-nepotism policy. The policy adopted by a board of trustees must incorporate the above provisions and will be applicable to members of the board and to charter school administrators. Under regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Education, the board of education of a school district or county vocational school district was required to adopt an anti-nepotism policy by October 1, 2008.
AI Summary
This bill requires school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement anti-nepotism policies, meaning policies that prevent hiring relatives of certain school officials. These policies are a condition for school districts to receive state funding and must prohibit relatives of school board members, chief school administrators (the top education official), school business administrators (responsible for finances), full-time in-house school board attorneys, and directors of personnel from being hired in the district, with exceptions for those already employed before the policy or the relative's appointment, or if the executive county superintendent of schools approves after a thorough candidate search shows no other qualified applicants. The policies also prevent chief school administrators from recommending relatives for positions unless an exception applies, and prohibit district administrators or attorneys from supervising relatives, requiring alternative arrangements if necessary. Furthermore, if a district administrator, attorney, or board member has a relative who is part of a union, they cannot participate in contract negotiations or discussions about collective bargaining agreements with that union, though they can provide technical information if no one else can. The bill also includes provisions for situations where a relative is in the same statewide union in another district and outlines a penalty if a former official's relative is hired within three months of their departure. School districts can choose to exclude temporary substitute teachers and student employees from these policies, and charter schools must adopt similar policies for their board members and administrators.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2113 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2113_I1.HTM |
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