summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes a mediation process for school ethics complaints. Under the bill, the School Ethics Commission is required to provide an opportunity for a complainant and any school official named in the complaint to engage in mediation to determine whether the complaint may be dismissed without further proceedings. If the complainant and any school official named in the complaint agree to mediation, the commission is required to assign a mediator to conduct a mediation conference. Prior to commencement of the mediation conference, the mediator is to require the complainant and any school official named in the complaint to sign a confidentiality pledge to ensure that discussions that occur during the mediation remain confidential. If the mediation results in the complainant dismissing the complaint, the complainant and any school official named in the complaint are required to sign a written agreement that memorializes the dismissal of the complaint. However, if the complainant does not dismiss the complaint after the mediation conference, the commission is required to follow the current procedure established by law to determine whether a school official has violated the "School Ethics Act," or a school board member has violated the Code of Ethics for School Board Members.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a mediation process for complaints filed with the School Ethics Commission, which oversees violations of the "School Ethics Act" and the Code of Ethics for School Board Members. Under this new process, the commission must offer complainants and any named school officials the chance to mediate their dispute to see if the complaint can be resolved and dismissed without further legal proceedings. If both parties agree to mediation, the commission will appoint a mediator, and before the mediation begins, all participants must sign a confidentiality agreement to keep discussions private. If mediation leads to the complainant withdrawing the complaint, a written agreement will be signed by both parties to formalize the dismissal. However, if mediation does not resolve the complaint, the commission will proceed with the existing legal procedures to determine if a school official has violated the ethics laws. The bill also makes a minor change to the "Administrative Procedure Act" to include the new provisions of this bill and clarifies that the State Board of Education shall promulgate regulations for both the existing ethics laws and this new mediation process.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3476 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3476_I1.HTM |
Loading...