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 establishes the School Finance Reform Commission. The purpose of the commission is to study the effectiveness of, and provide recommendations on improving, various aspects of school budgeting, finance, and funding, including but not limited to: school district property tax levies and the tax levy growth limitation; and the calculation of local share used in determining a district's allocation of equalization aid. The commission is to consist of 13 members, including the Commissioner of Education and the President of the State Board of Education, or their designees, and 11 public members appointed by the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly, the Minority Leader of the General Assembly, and the Governor. The commission is to issue a report no later than one year after its organization detailing the findings of the commission and making recommendations for the improvement of school budgeting, finance, and funding.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the "School Finance Reform Commission," a 13-member body tasked with studying and recommending improvements to how schools are budgeted, financed, and funded. The commission will include the Commissioner of Education and the President of the State Board of Education (or their designees), along with 11 public members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor. The commission's work will focus on areas like school district property tax levies and limitations on how much those levies can increase, as well as how the "local share" is calculated, which affects the amount of "equalization aid" a district receives. Equalization aid is a form of state funding designed to help districts with lower local tax bases provide adequate resources for their students. The commission is required to submit a report with its findings and recommendations within one year of its organization, and the act will expire 30 days after that final report is issued.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
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/S2879 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2879_I1.HTM |
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