New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S813

Introduced
1/9/24  
Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes public awareness campaign concerning programs and services for first responders, healthcare workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

The bill necessitates a shift in how public colleges and universities in New Jersey handle incidents of bias intimidation. By requiring the establishment of a bias intimidation policy, institutions will have to take tangible steps towards defining incidents, outlining procedures for reporting, and implementing disciplinary actions. This could lead to a more supportive environment for victims and a clearer accountability structure for both accusers and accused individuals. Additionally, the incorporation of a bias intimidation course module into first-year programming signifies a proactive effort to educate incoming students on issues of bias and discrimination, potentially reducing future incidents.

Summary

Senate Bill 813 aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey by addressing bias intimidation. The legislation mandates that these institutions publicly post their bias intimidation and crime statistics on their websites, a requirement intended to increase awareness and accountability. Specifically, institutions need to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, thereby making data related to crime on campuses readily accessible. This increased transparency is aimed at not only protecting students but also fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect for diversity on campuses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 813 appears to be largely supportive, particularly as it aligns with broader national movements towards inclusivity and anti-bias education in educational settings. Advocates for the bill have emphasized its importance in protecting vulnerable populations and promoting a culture of tolerance and understanding within academic environments. However, there may also be concerns regarding the efficacy of such measures and whether they adequately address the complexities of bias-related incidents on campuses.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around implementation aspects and the effectiveness of the proposed measures. Questions could be raised regarding how well institutions can enforce these policies and ensure compliance among students and staff. Moreover, discussions may delve into whether the requirements placed on institutions could be seen as burdensome, especially regarding the reporting and tracking of incidents, which might necessitate additional resources. Balancing the need for comprehensive data while respecting student privacy and addressing bias incidents sensitively will be critical factors as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

NJ A2151

Same As Establishes public awareness campaign concerning programs and services for first responders, healthcare workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ S1738

Carry Over Establishes public awareness campaign concerning programs and services for first responders, healthcare workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ A3141

Carry Over Establishes public awareness campaign concerning programs and services for first responders, healthcare workers, other frontline workers, and their families experiencing mental health issues related to COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ S2775

Carry Over Permits use of preferred names on student diplomas.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4660

Requires DHS to provide psychiatric service dogs to first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ A4867

Establishes toll free helpline for first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

NJ HCR6001

Honoring healthcare workers who died and risked their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ A3793

Requires health care facilities to screen health care workers and first responders for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder related to COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ HR16

Recognizing the essential contributions of frontline health workers in assisting the state to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and urging greater attention and support for local frontline health workers.

NJ S1396

Studying the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline, direct care nurses

NJ A354

Establishes commission to study mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students.

NJ S1495

Relative to healthcare worker and first responder safety

NJ HB3178

Save Healthcare Workers Act

NJ S815

Establishes "College Child Care Advisory Commission" to examine issues and develop recommendations on providing programs and services for college students who require child care services.

Similar Bills

NJ S813

Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

HI SB3184

Relating To Digital Assets.

VA HB502

Baccalaureate public institutions of higher education; fixed in-state tuition rates.

NJ A2349

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

VA HB502

A BILL to require the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to assess the potential impact of a fixed Virginia student tuition policy; report.

NJ S1458

Requires four-year public institutions of higher education to provide on website certain information on online degree students and graduate degree students.

NJ S3360

Requires proprietary degree-granting institutions to disclose status as for-profit business; requires institution of higher education and proprietary degree-granting institution to disclose accreditation status.

TN SB0536

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.