New Jersey Senate Bill S3436

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts how public institutions of higher education manage the training of their governing boards. It shifts responsibility for developing training content from institutions to the Secretary of Higher Education, who will now determine the training curriculum, which must include aspects like governance responsibilities and financial management. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $350,000 annually from the General Fund to support this initiative. This move intends to enhance the competency and accountability of board members, aligning their skills with the needs of modern governance in educational institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill S3436 focuses on revising the training requirements for members of the governing boards of public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill mandates that newly appointed board members must complete their training within six months of their appointment, a reduction from the previous one-year requirement. Additionally, existing board members who were previously exempt from this requirement are now required to complete the same training within six months of the law’s effective date. All governing board members will also be required to receive training every two years during their tenure on the board, ensuring that they are updated on governance responsibilities and ethical standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S3436 include concerns regarding the potential for increased centralization of authority within the Secretary’s office. Some may argue that this change could diminish the autonomy of individual institutions to tailor training to their specific contexts and needs. Additionally, the stipulation that failure to comply with training requirements leads to disqualification from board appointments for two years raises significant concerns regarding the fairness and practicality of such penalties, particularly for volunteers who may face unforeseen circumstances preventing compliance within the set timeframe.