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NJ S1005
NJ S1005Requires anti-bullying policy of public schools to include provision requiring principal to make preliminary determination and meet with parents of students involved in alleged bullying incident for that determination; extends time for investigating incident.
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
Current law requires each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation or bullying. Under these policies, after an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying has been reported to the principal, he must inform the parents and guardians of all students involved in the alleged incident. This bill specifies that the policy must also include a provision that requires the principal to make a preliminary determination as to whether a reported incident or complaint is a report of an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying as those terms are defined by law, prior to initiating an investigation. The policy must also provide that the principal hold a separate meeting with the parents or guardians of each student involved in the alleged incident within seven days of informing them of the alleged incident, in order to assist the principal in making the preliminary determination. The bill also provides that the investigation of the alleged incident must be completed no later than 30 days from the date the written report of the incident is provided to the principal. Current law requires the investigation to be completed no later than 10 days from the date the written report is provided. This bill extends the time frame to allow a sufficient time period for the principal to hold the meetings with the parents or guardians and make a preliminary determination regarding the alleged incident.
AI Summary
This bill requires public schools to update their anti-bullying policies to include a preliminary step where the principal must determine if a reported incident constitutes harassment, intimidation, or bullying before launching a full investigation. To aid in this preliminary determination, the principal will now be required to meet separately with the parents or guardians of each student involved in the alleged incident within seven days of informing them. Additionally, the bill extends the timeframe for completing the investigation of such incidents from 10 school days to 30 school days from the date a written report is filed, allowing more time for the principal to conduct these meetings and make an informed preliminary decision.
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/S1005 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1005_I1.HTM |
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