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Bill > A2547
NJ A2547
NJ A2547Requires board of education to adopt policy permitting remote attendance by board member in certain circumstances.
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 requires a board of education to adopt a policy authorizing a member of the board of education to attend and participate in a meeting of the board remotely using virtual or electronic means. Pursuant to the bill, the policy may only permit a board member to remotely attend a board meeting if extenuating circumstances exist which prevent the member from attending the meeting in-person. The policy is to: (1) describe the extenuating circumstances in which a member of the board is permitted to attend the meeting remotely, including accommodating a medical condition, illness, or disability; (2) require a request for remote attendance to be made in advance of the meeting and be approved by the board president; (3) allow for the members of the public and other board members to hear the comments made by the board member attending remotely and for the board member to hear comments made by members of the public and other board members; (4) detail the permitted methods by which a member of the board may attend remotely which may include telephone, video-conferencing, or other electronic means; (5) establish procedures to ensure that a member of the board attending remotely has real-time access to any materials that are presented and available to members of the board attending the meeting in-person; and (6) establish a maximum number of meetings for which a member may attend virtually, which is prohibited from exceeding three consecutive meetings. The bill stipulates that a member attending the meeting remotely pursuant to the policy established under the bill is to be considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum. The bill also permits a member attending remotely to attend and participate in an executive or closed session of the board provided that certain conditions are met. Finally, the bill requires a board of education to acquire adequate technology and communications equipment to effectuate the purposes of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires a board of education to create a policy that allows its members to attend and participate in meetings remotely, meaning through virtual or electronic means like video conferencing or phone calls, when extenuating circumstances prevent them from attending in person. These circumstances can include medical conditions, illness, disability, childcare needs, or employment obligations. The policy must specify these acceptable reasons, require advance requests approved by the board president, ensure that remote attendees can hear and be heard by everyone else, detail the technology that can be used, guarantee real-time access to meeting materials for remote participants, and limit remote attendance to no more than three consecutive meetings. Importantly, a board member attending remotely will still be counted towards establishing a quorum, which is the minimum number of members needed for a meeting to be official, and they can participate in closed-door executive sessions under specific conditions that maintain privacy. The bill also mandates that school boards must obtain the necessary technology and equipment to make this remote attendance possible.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A2547 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2547_I1.HTM |
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