New Jersey Assembly Bill A257

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Provides excused absence for public school student who participates in musical performance at military funeral, including playing "Taps."

Impact

The enactment of A257 could significantly affect how public schools handle attendance for students who engage in activities honoring veterans. By stipulating that such absences be marked as excused, the bill encourages respect and recognition for military service, which may foster an environment of civic responsibility and community engagement among students. Furthermore, the bill places an emphasis on the importance of giving back to the community and honoring those who have served, thereby potentially enriching the educational experience.

Summary

Assembly Bill 257 aims to allow public school students in New Jersey to receive excused absences for participating in musical performances at military funerals. This includes events such as playing 'Taps' in recognition of veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces. The intention behind the bill is to honor the contributions of military personnel by allowing students to participate in solemn commemorations without penalizing them academically for their absence from school. The bill amends existing legislation regarding attendance records for students attending public schools.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive of veterans and aims to promote civic pride, there could be points of contention regarding the logistics of documentation and its implementation in schools. Schools may need to establish guidelines for what constitutes an acceptable form of documentation for the excused absence, potentially leading to administrative challenges. Additionally, discussions may arise over the balance between academic obligations and extracurricular participation in solemn events, especially in cases where such events may occur frequently throughout the school year.