A 4544 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes requirements for students engaging in certain bias-related conduct.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to mandate that students identified as engaging in bias-related conduct meet with a certified school psychologist weekly for at least nine months. The law defines bias acts as any behavior motivated by protected characteristics such as race, gender, or sexual orientation that creates a hostile environment, and includes actions like displaying hate symbols or using discriminatory language. Districts must employ psychologists trained in implicit bias and racial equity to provide restorative interventions aimed at understanding underlying causes and preventing future incidents. The legislation emphasizes support and education over purely punitive measures, requiring staff training and transparent reporting to address rising bias incidents in schools.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 10, 2026 Last action Mar 10, 2026
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Mar 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
lower
3 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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