Bill
Bill > A142
NJ A142
NJ A142Restricts Commissioner of Education's authority to reject school district's budget proposal.
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
Prior to adopting a budget or presenting it to voters for approval, as may be applicable, a school district must submit the budget proposal to the Commissioner of Education for review and approval. The commissioner may reject the proposal and direct modifications if the commissioner, among other things, is not satisfied that the budget proposal is sufficient to satisfy the thoroughness and efficiency standards that have been established. This bill eliminates that statutory authority and specifies that the commissioner may not reject a budget proposal based on the fact that the proposal includes a general fund tax levy or total general fund budget that is less than the amount included in the prior budget year.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to restrict the Commissioner of Education's authority to reject a school district's budget proposal, specifically removing the commissioner's power to reject a budget solely because it includes a general fund tax levy or total general fund budget that is less than the amount from the previous year. Previously, the commissioner could reject a budget if not satisfied it met established "thoroughness and efficiency standards," which are state-mandated educational goals, and could direct modifications or additional expenditures to ensure these standards were met. This bill eliminates the commissioner's ability to reject a budget based on a reduction in the general fund tax levy or total general fund budget compared to the prior year, thus limiting the grounds for rejection and providing school districts more flexibility in their budgeting decisions.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
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/A142 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/142_I1.HTM |
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