Politickernj-State Street Wire - Bills passed in Legislative Session 1-28-13

A1293/S1327: Passed 72-1. This requires schools that participate in statewide interscholastic sports programs to annually inform student-athletes about National Collegiate Athletic Association eligibility standards for participation in collegiate athletics.

A1365/S600: Passed 74-0. This bill establishes the Task Force on Improving Special Education for Public School Students to study issues related to improving the funding, delivery, and effectiveness of special education programs.

A2932/S2057: Passed 63-10-2. This bill, “The Anti-Big Brother Act,” requires a school district that furnishes a student with a laptop computer to provide the student with written notice that the electronic device may record or collect information on the student’s activity.

The bill was amended to make it clear its provisions covered charter schools, and that the fine for not providing notification is $250, among other things

A2932/S2057: Passed 63-10-2. This bill, “The Anti-Big Brother Act,” requires a school district that furnishes a student with a laptop computer to provide the student with written notice that the electronic device may record or collect information on the student’s activity.

The bill was amended to make it clear its provisions covered charter schools, and that the fine for not providing notification is $250, among other things.

A3019: Passed 74-0. This legislation authorizes public schools to serve to students certain produce grown in community garden. Conditions include ensuring that the soil was tested and declared safe, and that the food is handled in accordance with state and federal health regulations

A3410: Passed 74-0. This requires school districts to provide pupil directory information to county vocational schools upon request. A child’s parent could opt out of this procedure, and the districts would be responsible for notifying parents of this option.