New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2985

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

Requires DOE to provide reimbursement of school district costs of providing protective face coverings and hand sanitizer for addressing transmission of COVID-19.

Impact

If enacted, A2985 will alter the current landscape of educational funding, particularly in direct response to health crises. The bill mandates that school districts can apply for reimbursement on costs related to acquiring necessary sanitary supplies. This approach is anticipated to alleviate financial burdens on local school boards, enabling them to better prioritize health and safety measures without compromising educational resources.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2985, introduced in New Jersey, aims to address the costs associated with protective face coverings and hand sanitizer in public schools due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This bill provides a framework for school districts to receive reimbursement from the Department of Education (DOE) for expenses incurred when purchasing protective measures to combat the spread of the virus. The bill underscores the state's commitment to ensuring safety within educational environments amidst public health concerns.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding A2985 could involve discussions on the adequacy of funding and the potential for complications in the reimbursement process. While the bill is generally viewed favorably as a proactive measure against COVID-19 transmission, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the types of materials eligible for reimbursement and whether the guidelines established by the DOE will be sufficient to cover all necessary expenses adequately. Furthermore, the bill's quick implementation may also prompt debates on logistical challenges faced by school districts in adhering to the new funding requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3056

Revises hotel sanitization protocols to remove requirement that occupied guest rooms be cleaned and sanitized daily.

NJ S1690

Revises hotel sanitization protocols to remove requirement that occupied guest rooms be cleaned and sanitized daily.

NJ A5177

Modifies cost thresholds for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; requires State to bear full cost of nonpublic school transportation for certain school districts.

NJ AB86

COVID-19 relief and school reopening, reporting, and public health requirements.

NJ HB227

Relating to a policy requiring the use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings and providing notice to a parent or guardian regarding a positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test for a person assigned to a student's classroom in public schools.

NJ SB94

Relating to a policy requiring the use of face masks, face shields, or other face coverings and providing notice to a parent or guardian regarding a positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test for a person assigned to a student's classroom in public schools.

NJ HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

NJ AB2496

Income taxes: credits: cleaning and sanitizing supplies: COVID-19.

NJ HB1300

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for

NJ S2494

Makes supplemental appropriation of up to $20 million from General Fund to DOE to support school facility cleaning and sanitization.

Similar Bills

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IL SB1293

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IL HB2918

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CA AB3006

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CA AB985

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CA AB471

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OR HB3435

Relating to school meals; declaring an emergency.

NJ S4312

Modifies method of allocating State aid for providing auxiliary and remedial services to nonpublic school students.