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Bill > S1166
NJ S1166
NJ S1166Permits virtual or remote instruction for public schools used as polling places on election days.
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 permits boards of education to offer classroom instruction through virtual or remote means to students that attend a public school that is used as a polling place on the day of any election. The bill defines "any election" to include all primary, general, municipal, school and special elections. Under the bill, a board of education is required to ensure that all students have access to the technology required prior to permitting the public school to offer virtual instruction to the students. A public school is not required to offer hybrid instruction on election days. Additionally, this bill requires the Commissioner of Education to allow a board of education to apply the day of virtual or remote instruction to the 180-day school year requirement. This bill only applies to public schools that are used as polling places on election days. A public school that is not serving as a polling place is not permitted to provide virtual or remote instruction to students.
AI Summary
This bill allows public school boards to offer virtual or remote instruction to students on election days if their school is used as a polling place, meaning a location where people cast their votes. This applies to all types of elections, including primaries, general elections, and local elections. Before implementing virtual instruction, school boards must ensure all students have access to the necessary technology, such as computers and internet access. Schools are not required to offer a mix of in-person and remote learning on these days. Importantly, the Commissioner of Education will permit these virtual instruction days to count towards the state's 180-day school year requirement, ensuring that schools using their facilities for voting do not fall behind on instructional time. This provision specifically applies only to schools functioning as polling places; other schools cannot use virtual instruction to meet the 180-day requirement.
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/S1166 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1500/1166_I1.HTM |
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