TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Patrick Diegnan, which would establish a task-force to implement the recommendations made in the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act,” was approved by the Senate today.
“Bullying of any kind in our schools is a major issue, and has been for a long time,” said Senator Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “In order to create a safer environment for our students we passed the ‘Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.’ This task force will closely examine its effectiveness and the unintended consequences resulting from this Act’s implementation. The results the task force finds will help us better understand how to tackle bullying in our schools.”
The bill, S-2575, would establish an 11 member task force to examine, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.” The task force would be required to:
- Examine and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act” in New Jersey schools.
- Examine any unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act” and the regulations publicized following the act, including impacts of the law on athletic coaches.
- Recommend necessary and appropriate modifications or updates to the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act” and its implementing regulations.
The bill would require the task force to hold at least one public hearing during the course of its work to receive public input on these issues. Finally, the task force would be required to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within 180 days of its organization.
The bill was released from the Senate by a vote of 39-0.