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
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Mar 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
lower
3 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Kenyatta Stewart
DDemocratic
P
Linda Carter
DDemocratic
P
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
DDemocratic
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 4544
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand A 4544. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline